Sacramento Metro Cleared of Extra Ozone Controls by EPA
Published Date: 3/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA says the Sacramento Metro area met the 2008 ozone pollution rules by the end of 2024, based on recent air quality data. This means California won’t need to add extra pollution controls for now, saving time and money. People can share their thoughts on this plan until April 21, 2025, before it’s finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Sanctions Stayed; Potential Permanent Lift
The EPA issued an interim final action effective upon publication (March 21, 2025) to stay the offset sanction and defer the highway funding sanction tied to the 2023 disapproval of contingency measures. The offset sanction has been in effect since January 17, 2025, and the highway funding sanction was set to begin July 17, 2025; a final determination of attainment by the December 31, 2024 attainment date would permanently stop those sanctions and the associated Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clocks.
Contingency Measures No Longer Required
If the EPA finalizes this proposal, the Sacramento Metro area met the 2008 8-hour ozone standard by its December 31, 2024 attainment date based on monitoring from 2022 through 2024. That means the requirement for the State Implementation Plan (SIP) to include attainment contingency measures and reasonable further progress (RFP) contingency measures for the 2008 ozone NAAQS will no longer apply to the Sacramento Metro area.
Attainment Finding Is Not Redesignation
Even if EPA finalizes this attainment determination, the Sacramento Metro area will remain officially designated 'nonattainment' and will keep its 'Severe-15' classification for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. Redesignation to attainment requires the area to meet all CAA section 110 and part D requirements and submit, and have EPA approve, a separate redesignation request and maintenance plan.
No New Small-Entity Economic Burden
The EPA certified that this proposed determination will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not impose any requirements on small entities. The agency states the action does not create new regulatory obligations beyond existing Clean Air Act mandates.
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Key Dates
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