Michigan Air Clean Enough: EPA Hits Pause on Ozone Plans
Published Date: 10/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Great news for folks in Berrien and Muskegon counties, Michigan! The EPA says these areas have cleaned up their air enough to meet the 2015 ozone standards. Because of this, they don’t have to submit extra air quality plans or controls for now, saving time and effort as long as the air stays clean.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible reclassification if future data show violations
If the areas retain their nonattainment designation, the EPA must, within six months of the areas' attainment date of August 3, 2027, determine whether the areas attained the 2015 ozone NAAQS based on monitoring data for 2024–2026. If those data show a violation, the EPA would issue a CAA section 181(b)(2) finding, reclassify the areas to the next higher classification by operation of law, and rescind the clean data determinations, which would return the previously suspended SIP requirements to effect.
EPA finds air met 2015 ozone standard
The EPA determined that the Berrien County and Muskegon County, Michigan nonattainment areas attained the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards based on certified monitoring data for the 2023–2025 design value period. The EPA's concurrence relied on Michigan's exceptional events request submitted December 26, 2025, which the EPA concurred in on January 12, 2026, and this final determination is effective October 9, 2026.
Suspension of state SIP planning obligations
Because of the clean data determination, the EPA is suspending the Berrien and Muskegon areas' obligations to submit attainment demonstrations and associated Reasonably Available Control Measures (RACM), Reasonable Further Progress (RFP) plans, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans related to the 2015 ozone NAAQS for as long as the areas continue to attain the standard. That suspension takes effect with this final rule on October 9, 2026.
No significant economic impact on small entities
The EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not impose any requirements on small entities beyond those imposed by State law. The rule states it imposes no unfunded mandates and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments.
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