EPA Greenlights Ohio Factory Air Pollution Controls
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Ohio’s plan to cut pollution from big factories in the Cleveland area, helping clean up the air and meet ozone standards. This affects companies like Lubrizol, Henkel, and Cleveland-Cliffs, who’ll follow new rules to reduce smog-causing chemicals starting now. The changes kick in on June 26, 2026, with no extra costs for the public—just cleaner air for everyone!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Named Cleveland plants must meet RACT limits
The EPA approved Ohio's source-specific RACT revisions that require facilities including Cleveland-Cliffs, Henkel, and Lubrizol to meet specific NOX and VOC controls. For Cleveland-Cliffs, the rule includes a trigger to submit an updated NOX RACT study if NOX emissions exceed 348.3 tpy per furnace (12‑month rolling average) and unit limits such as 0.10 lb/MMBtu and 0.23 lb/MMBtu for certain furnaces; the Tandem Mill must meet a VOC BAT limit of 138.91 tons per rolling 12‑month period. Many of the permits cited were issued 11/13/2025 and the EPA approval is effective June 26, 2026.
Reporting, public access, and enforceability ensured
Ohio's SIP and permits include reporting, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements (including OAC rule 3745-15-03) that the EPA found sufficient to demonstrate ongoing compliance. Information submitted under OAC rule 3745-15-03 is available to the public through applicable public records processes, including the Freedom of Information Act, and the emission limits and monitoring requirements are federally enforceable as of the rule's effective date.
EPA approves state rules; no added federal burden
The EPA stated this action approves State law as meeting federal requirements and "does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by State law." The agency also certified the action as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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