EPA May Credit Detroit With Meeting Ozone Goals
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to officially say Detroit met the 2015 ozone air quality standards by the August 3, 2024 deadline. This decision follows Michigan’s request to ignore unusual events that temporarily raised pollution levels. If finalized, it means Detroit’s air is cleaner than expected, with no new costly rules or delays for local businesses and residents.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Detroit Met Ozone Standard — No New Rules
The EPA is proposing to determine that the Detroit, Michigan area attained the 2015 ozone standard by the Moderate attainment date of August 3, 2024. The EPA says that if this action is finalized it means Detroit’s air met the standard and there would be no new costly rules or delays for local businesses and residents.
Wildfire Data Excluded From Ozone Calculations
The EPA concurred with Michigan’s exceptional events request (submitted February 19, 2026; concurred March 24, 2026) to exclude wildfire-influenced ozone monitoring data from regulatory calculations. The excluded readings are from the Allen Park monitor (Site ID 26-163-0001) on June 29–30, 2023 and the East 7 Mile monitor (Site ID 26-163-0019) on June 19, June 29, June 30, and July 25, 2023.
No Significant Small-Business Impact Found
The EPA certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed attainment determination will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not impose any requirements beyond those imposed by State law. The agency says the proposed determination does not create new requirements and does not directly regulate entities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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