EPA Greenlights Ohio's Ozone Control Measures for Cleaner Air
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Ohio’s updated air pollution rules that help cut smog-causing chemicals in several counties, including Cleveland and Cincinnati areas. These changes make the air cleaner by controlling certain emissions and will officially start on February 19, 2026. Businesses and communities in these counties will see clearer skies without new costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Ohio RACT Rules Approved for Ozone
The EPA approved parts of Ohio Administrative Code Chapters 3745-21 and 3745-110 as meeting Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for the 2015 ozone standard for the Cleveland nonattainment area (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties). The EPA also approved these chapters as SIP strengthening for Ashtabula County and the Ohio portion of the Cincinnati maintenance area (Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties). These approvals take effect February 19, 2026, and EPA says they will improve air quality in the listed counties.
State Reporting Rule Approved
The EPA approved OAC rule 3745-15-03, which sets reporting requirements for sources in Ohio, and the approval is effective February 19, 2026. The rule is incorporated into the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and applies to sources in Ohio.
Ohio Rules Become Federally Enforceable
The Ohio regulations approved into the SIP are "fully federally enforceable under sections 110 and 113 of the Clean Air Act" as of the final rule's effective date, February 19, 2026. That means federal enforcement can be applied to the approved Ohio rules starting on that date.
Ruscoe Plant II Excluded From SIP Table
The EPA approved Table (M)(1) in OAC rule 3745-21-07 into the SIP but excluded the row for "TRC Buyer Co. dba 'The Ruscoe Company' Plant II" (facility ID 1677010204). The table regulates facilities using liquid organic materials and requires at least 85% VOC control efficiency for listed emissions units.
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