EPA Says Detroit Met Ozone Target After Exceptional-Event Exclusions
Published Date: 11/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA has officially confirmed that Detroit met the 2015 ozone air quality standards by the August 3, 2024 deadline. This decision follows Michigan’s successful request to exclude unusual events that temporarily affected air quality. Residents and businesses in Detroit can breathe easier knowing the area is on track, with no new costly restrictions coming from this ruling.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Detroit Attainment — No New Restrictions
You live or work in the Detroit area: the EPA determined the Detroit, Michigan Moderate nonattainment area attained the 2015 ozone standard by the Moderate attainment date of August 3, 2024. The EPA finalized this determination (effective November 10, 2026) and the rule states there are no new regulatory requirements from this action, meaning no new costly restrictions result from this ruling.
Specific 2023 Ozone Readings Excluded
The EPA concurred with Michigan’s exceptional events request (EGLE submitted February 19, 2026; EPA concurrence March 24, 2026) excluding wildfire-influenced ozone measurements from regulatory use: Allen Park monitor (Site ID 26-163-0001) on June 29 and June 30, 2023, and East 7 Mile monitor (Site ID 26-163-0019) on June 19, June 29, June 30, and July 25, 2023. Those excluded data were removed from the design value calculations used to determine attainment.
Ozone Monitoring Will Continue in Detroit
The State must operate at least three ozone monitoring sites in the Detroit metropolitan statistical area per 40 CFR part 58 appendix D; EGLE currently operates six ozone monitors and the rule notes none of these monitors are eligible for shutdown and EGLE's 2027 Annual Ambient Air Monitoring Network Review Plan expects no changes. This means ongoing ozone monitoring and public data reporting will continue.
No Significant Impact on Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the EPA certified this attainment determination will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and states the the action "will not impose any requirements on small entities beyond those imposed by State law." The rule does not directly regulate private-sector entities.
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