EPA Greenlights Michigan's Ozone RACT Rules for Western Counties
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions and additions to Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules (MAPCR) Parts 6 and 8 for inclusion in the Michigan State Implementation Plan (SIP). Michigan submitted these SIP revisions to meet the Moderate Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxide (NO<INF>X</INF>) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas (Berrien, Western portion of Allegan, and Western portion of Muskegon counties) under the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard). The EPA is approving rules that limit VOC emissions from consumer products and architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, as SIP strengthening measures for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas under the 2015 ozone standard. The EPA proposed to approve this action on February 27, 2026, and received eleven sets of comments.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
RACT SIP Approval for West Michigan
The EPA approved revisions to Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules Parts 6 and 8 into the Michigan State Implementation Plan to meet Moderate VOC and NOX Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas (Berrien, western Allegan, and western Muskegon counties) under the 2015 ozone standard. These State rules are now federally approved as meeting RACT for those specified areas.
Limits on VOCs in Consumer Products and Coatings
The EPA approved Michigan rules R 336.1660 and R 336.1662 that limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer products and from architectural and industrial maintenance coatings as SIP-strengthening measures for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas. If you make, sell, or use these consumer products or coatings in those areas, the products and coatings are now subject to these VOC limits as part of the approved SIP.
15 lb/day (2.7 tpy) Exemption Adopted
Michigan adopted a 15 pounds per day (2.7 tons per year) exemption threshold for certain VOC sources in the Western Michigan nonattainment areas through rules R 336.1610a, R 336.1620a, R 336.1621a, and R 336.1624a. Sources emitting below that threshold in those areas are treated under those specific exemption provisions.
Federal Enforceability Starts Sept 28, 2026
The approved Michigan rules have been incorporated by reference and are fully federally enforceable under the Clean Air Act as of September 28, 2026. That means the State rules listed in the final rule are enforceable by the EPA and citizens beginning on that effective date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17481, Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays in the USCG East District-Philadelphia, PA
On September 18, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a safety zone around the fireworks show at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators must follow Coast Guard instructions and avoid the 500-foot radius around the fireworks barge. This temporary rule helps prevent accidents during the big celebration and affects anyone boating nearby.
Next: 2026-17487, Publication of a Determination Issued Pursuant to Executive Order 13902.
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing a sector determination pursuant to a January 10, 2020 Executive Order. The determination was previously issued on OFAC's website.