Illinois' Chicago Ozone Plan Earns EPA Approval
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Illinois’ plan to clean up the air in Chicago and Metro East by cutting ozone pollution. This plan includes rules for car emissions, inspections, and new pollution sources, aiming for better air by 2023. If approved, it helps keep the air healthier without extra costs, but folks can share their thoughts by March 16, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Cleaner Ozone Air by 2023
The EPA is proposing to approve parts of Illinois' plan to cut ozone pollution in the Chicago and Metro East areas, aiming for better air by 2023. The proposal says this approval would help keep the air healthier and the public may submit comments by March 16, 2026.
Offsets for New Major Sources
Illinois confirms its nonattainment new source review (NNSR) program for Moderate areas requires emission offsets for new or modified major stationary sources at a ratio of 1.15 to 1. This applies to new major sources or major modifications located in the designated nonattainment areas.
2023 Motor-Vehicle Emissions Budgets
Illinois submitted 2023 motor vehicle emissions budgets for transportation conformity that the EPA is proposing to approve and begin adequacy review for. The proposed budgets are: Chicago — NOX 165.78 tons/day and VOC 52.47 tons/day; Metro East — NOX 14.29 tons/day and VOC 6.77 tons/day.
Vehicle Emissions Testing Continues
Illinois certifies that its existing vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program meets the required standard. The program requires on-board diagnostic (OBD) testing of gasoline-fueled and hybrid vehicles up to 8,500 pounds GVWR that are 1996 model year and newer but more than four model years old, and of gasoline-fueled and hybrid vehicles between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds GVWR that are 2007 model year and newer but more than four model years old.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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