Baltimore Air Now Clean Enough to Skip Some Ozone Rules
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
Great news for Baltimore! The EPA says the air in Baltimore now meets the 2015 ozone pollution standards based on recent clean air data. Because of this, Maryland won’t have to submit certain air quality plans or extra pollution controls for now, saving time and resources as long as the air stays clean. This change kicks in on June 29, 2026, helping the community breathe easier and focus on other priorities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Baltimore: SIP Planning Requirements Suspended
If you live in the Baltimore Area (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, and the City of Baltimore), EPA determined the Area has clean data for the 2015 ozone standard based on 2022–2024 monitoring and, effective June 29, 2026, suspended the requirement for Maryland to submit attainment demonstrations, Reasonably Available Control Measures (RACM), Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) plans, contingency measures, and other attainment-related SIPs for as long as the Area continues to meet the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
Wildfire Smoke Data Excluded From Ozone Counts
EPA concurred on portions of Maryland's three exceptional event requests (submitted February 2, 2024; EPA concurrence November 12, 2025) and excluded wildfire-smoke-impacted monitor days from the 2022–2024 ozone design value calculations, which is part of why the Baltimore Area is found to be attaining the 2015 ozone NAAQS. Preliminary 2025 data, since certified by Maryland and concurred by EPA, indicates continued attainment based on the 2023–2025 design values.
Rule Certified Not to Hurt Small Businesses
EPA certified that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The rule also states it will not impose additional requirements and is effective June 29, 2026.
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