EPA Gives Michigan Counties Gold Star for Ozone Homework
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Michigan’s plan to clean up the air in parts of Allegan, Berrien, and Muskegon counties by meeting ozone pollution goals set in 2015. This means updated pollution data and new car emissions limits are in play to keep the air healthier. Residents and drivers in these areas can expect cleaner air without new costs, but public comments are open until January 12, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clean-air plan for three Michigan counties
EPA is proposing to approve Michigan's plan to meet the 2015 ozone air quality standard in parts of Allegan County, Berrien County, and Muskegon County. The proposal approves updated emissions data and controls so residents and drivers in those areas can expect healthier air, and EPA states this action does not add new federal requirements or costs beyond State law.
2023 motor-vehicle emissions budgets approved
EPA is proposing approval of 2023 motor vehicle emissions budgets for the Allegan County, Berrien County, and Muskegon County areas for use in transportation conformity. The proposed 2023 mobile budgets are: Allegan NOX 1.15 tpd and VOC 0.70 tpd; Berrien NOX 2.98 tpd and VOC 1.85 tpd; Muskegon NOX 1.73 tpd and VOC 1.74 tpd.
No new federal costs for small businesses
EPA states this action merely approves State law as meeting Federal requirements and "does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by State law." EPA also certified the action as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
On-road emissions fell 2017→2023
Michigan's submissions show on-road NOX and VOC emissions declined between 2017 and 2023 in the three areas. Examples from Table 4: Allegan NOX fell from 1.86 tpd to 0.96 tpd (−0.90) and VOC from 0.93 tpd to 0.67 tpd (−0.26); Berrien NOX fell from 5.05 tpd to 2.48 tpd (−2.57) and VOC from 2.66 tpd to 1.80 tpd (−0.86); Muskegon NOX fell from 2.93 tpd to 1.44 tpd (−1.49) and VOC from 2.26 tpd to 1.58 tpd (−0.68).
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