Michigan Spots Breathe Easy: EPA Eases Ozone Oversight
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Great news for folks in Berrien and Muskegon, Michigan! The air there is clean enough to meet the 2015 ozone standards, so the EPA is pausing some strict pollution rules and extra paperwork—at least for now. This means less hassle for local agencies and no new costs, as long as the air stays clean.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Berrien & Muskegon Meet Ozone Standard
If you live in the Berrien or Muskegon areas of Michigan, the EPA proposes that those areas met the 2015 ozone standard (0.070 parts per million) based on quality-assured monitoring for 2023–2025. The decision relies on Michigan's exceptional events requests (submitted December 26, 2025) and EPA concurrence (January 12, 2026) and shows both area 3-year design values are 0.070 ppm.
Suspension of Local Ozone Planning Duties
If you are a Michigan state or local agency or a regulated business in the Berrien or Muskegon areas, the EPA proposes to suspend requirements to submit attainment demonstrations, RACM, RFP plans, contingency measures, and other SIP planning tied to the 2015 ozone standard for as long as the areas continue to attain the standard. The suspension would apply while the areas meet the 2015 ozone NAAQS based on the 2023–2025 data and EPA concurrence on exceptional events.
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