Cleveland Officially Hits EPA's 2015 Ozone Clean Air Targets
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to officially recognize Cleveland and nearby counties as meeting the 2015 ozone air quality standards, thanks to Ohio’s hard work. This means cleaner air for the community and new plans to keep pollution low through 2038. Ohio will also update vehicle emissions rules and inspection programs, with public comments open until May 11, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Cleveland Area Redesignated to Attainment
The EPA is proposing to change the legal status of the Cleveland area (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties) from nonattainment to attainment for the 2015 ozone standard. The 2015 ozone standard is 0.070 parts per million (ppm) and EPA determined the area's 2023–2025 three-year design value is 0.070 ppm.
Maintenance Plan Keeps Ozone Low Through 2038
The EPA proposes to approve Ohio's plan to maintain the 2015 ozone standard (0.070 ppm) in the Cleveland area through 2038. That maintenance plan is approved as a revision to the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Approval of Enhanced I/M, CFVP, EMP
The EPA proposes to approve Ohio's Enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) certification, Clean Fuel Vehicle Program (CFVP) certification, and Enhanced Monitoring Plan (EMP) certification SIP revisions submitted on December 19, 2025 and January 12, 2026. EPA finds these elements satisfy Serious area SIP requirements for the Cleveland area under the 2015 ozone standard.
PSD Program Becomes Effective Upon Redesignation
If the Cleveland area is redesignated to attainment, Ohio's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting program will become effective in the area upon redesignation. EPA notes Ohio's PSD program was conditionally approved previously and will apply in the Cleveland area after redesignation.
2032 and 2038 Vehicle Emissions Budgets
The EPA is initiating the adequacy process and proposing to approve Ohio's 2032 and 2038 motor vehicle emissions budgets for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) for the Cleveland area. These budgets are part of the maintenance plan for meeting the 2015 ozone standard.
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