Ohio's 'Trust Me' Emissions Plan Rejected by EPA Feds
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is saying no to Ohio’s plan that would let drivers just promise their cars meet pollution rules instead of getting official emissions tests. This change affects Ohio drivers and could slow progress on cleaning the air. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until January 12, 2026, to send your comments—no extra costs yet, but clean air matters!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Could leave tens of thousands unrepaired, raising pollution
EPA notes Ohio tested 880,832 vehicles in 2023 and 55,789 (6.6%) failed their initial inspection. EPA says approval of the self-attestation option could allow tens of thousands of vehicles with malfunctioning emission controls to remain in service, increasing ozone precursor emissions and jeopardizing attainment of the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard in the Cleveland‑Akron‑Lorain area.
EPA proposes to disapprove Ohio change
The EPA is proposing to disapprove Ohio’s July 9, 2025 State Implementation Plan revision that would add a self-attestation alternative to required on-board diagnostic (OBD) inspections under the E-Check program. If finalized, Ohio must continue implementing its existing Enhanced I/M program or submit a new SIP revision that complies with the Clean Air Act.
New law allows self-attestation instead of testing
Ohio’s E-Check Ease Act (signed March 31, 2025) and ORC 3704.14(C)(2) would let motorists obtain an alternative emissions certificate by signing a self-attestation that their vehicle complies “to the best of their knowledge” instead of undergoing an OBD inspection. Under the law the self-attestation pathway would not include civil or criminal penalties for submitting a false attestation; the only stated consequence is rejection of the attestation and a requirement to resubmit or undergo a standard inspection.
Self-attestation lacks repair proof or penalties
Under Ohio’s proposal, a motorist whose self-attestation is rejected may simply amend and resubmit without providing evidence that repairs were made, and the law specifies no penalty for falsifying an attestation other than directing the person to amend and resubmit. EPA states this lack of required proof of corrective action and minimal enforcement is inconsistent with Clean Air Act requirements for Enhanced I/M programs.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22553, No-Migration Variance From Land Disposal Restrictions for Clean Harbors Lone Mountain, Oklahoma
The EPA is proposing to let Clean Harbors Lone Mountain in Oklahoma temporarily store certain treated hazardous wastes in special piles on-site, as long as the waste doesn’t leak harmful stuff. This change helps the facility manage up to 100 temporary piles while waiting for final safety checks, with strict rules to keep things safe. Public comments are open until January 12, 2026, so folks can weigh in before it’s final.
Next: 2025-22596, Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Order No. 989
California raisin growers might see some big changes soon! The USDA is proposing to shrink the Raisin Administrative Committee, simplify how members are chosen, and update rules about raisin quality and marketing. Growers will vote on these changes in a referendum from January 12 to 30, 2026, so their voices really count—and these updates could shake up how raisins are handled and sold.