Ohio Ozone Plan Gets EPA Nod for Decade of Clean Air
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Ohio’s updated plan to keep the air clean and safe from ozone pollution in Columbus, Cleveland-Akron-Lorain, and Cincinnati areas for the next 10 years. This means stricter rules on car emissions will stay in place, helping protect everyone’s health without extra costs. The new rules kick in on March 16, 2026, making sure Ohio keeps breathing easy!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ohio Ozone Plans Approved Through 2037
If you live in the Columbus, Cleveland‑Akron‑Lorain, or Cincinnati areas in Ohio, the EPA approved Ohio's second maintenance plans to keep ozone at or below the 2008 standard through 2036 for Columbus and through 2037 for Cleveland‑Akron‑Lorain and Cincinnati. This approval becomes effective March 16, 2026, and makes certain state air‑quality commitments federally enforceable as part of the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets Set
The EPA found adequate and approved motor vehicle emission budgets used for transportation conformity in the Ohio areas for the last maintenance years: Columbus (2036) VOC 13.74 tons/day and NOX 7.59 tons/day; Cleveland‑Akron‑Lorain (2037) VOC 14.73 tpd and NOX 12.24 tpd; Cincinnati (2037) Ohio/Indiana portion VOC 11.01 tpd and NOX 9.32 tpd; Kentucky portion VOC 2.19 tpd and NOX 2.29 tpd. These budgets are used to decide whether transportation plans and projects conform to the air‑quality goals.
No Significant Small Business Burden
The EPA certified that approving Ohio's second maintenance plans does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The action approves state law as meeting federal requirements and does not impose additional federal requirements beyond those imposed by Ohio law.
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