Court Sends Detroit Back to Polluted Air Status
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating Detroit’s air quality status back to 'nonattainment' for ozone pollution after a court reversed its earlier clean air win. This change affects Detroit and nearby counties starting June 29, 2026, meaning more work is needed to meet air quality goals. No new costs are announced now, but local planners will need to adjust their pollution control plans.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Detroit Returned to Nonattainment
The EPA changed the Detroit area (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties) to Nonattainment for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards with a classification of Moderate. The action amends 40 CFR 81.323 to reflect the court's decision and is effective June 29, 2026.
No New Small-Entity Burdens
The EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The rule also states it does not impose an information collection burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act and contains no unfunded mandates under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
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