Cleveland Finally Hits Federal Ozone Target
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Rule
Summary
Great news for Cleveland! The EPA says Cleveland now meets the 2015 clean air ozone standards, thanks to Ohio’s smart plans to keep the air clean through 2038. This means better air quality for everyone, updated vehicle rules, and new deadlines for Ohio to keep improving.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Cleveland Redesignated to Attainment
The EPA changed the Cleveland, OH area (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties) from nonattainment to attainment for the 2015 ozone standard effective June 29, 2026. The EPA found the area met the 2015 ozone NAAQS based on quality-assured monitoring data from 2023–2025 (a 3-year design value of 0.070 ppm).
Maintenance Plan Approved Through 2038
The EPA approved Ohio's State Implementation Plan (SIP) maintenance plan that is designed to keep the Cleveland area in attainment of the 2015 ozone NAAQS through 2038. The approval is a revision to Ohio's SIP and is effective June 29, 2026.
2032 and 2038 Vehicle Emissions Budgets Approved
The EPA found adequate and approved Ohio's 2032 and 2038 motor vehicle emissions budgets for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) for the Cleveland area as part of the maintenance demonstration. These budgets are now part of the approved SIP as of June 29, 2026.
Serious SIP Submission Deadline Extended
The EPA adjusted the deadline for Ohio to submit Serious SIP revisions for the Cleveland area from January 1, 2026, to no later than December 5, 2026. This extension was finalized with the redesignation and is effective June 29, 2026.
Enhanced I/M and CFVP Certifications Approved
The EPA approved Ohio's Enhanced motor vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program certification and Clean Fuel Vehicle Program (CFVP) certification SIP revisions submitted December 19, 2025 and January 12, 2026, concluding they meet Serious-area SIP requirements for the Cleveland area. Those approvals are effective June 29, 2026.
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