Ohio's Muskingum River Area Meets Clean Air Goals
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Good news for folks in the Muskingum River area of Ohio! The EPA says the air there is now clean enough to meet sulfur dioxide pollution standards, so they’re officially changing the area’s status from 'needs work' to 'all clear.' Ohio’s plan to keep the air clean is approved, and this change kicks in on April 2, 2026, helping local businesses like Globe Metallurgical stay on track without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Muskingum River Redesignated Attainment
The EPA redesignated the Muskingum River area in Ohio from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard, effective April 2, 2026. The agency determined the area is meeting the 2010 SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) based on Ohio's March 31, 2025 request and related demonstrations.
Shift from Nonattainment NSR to PSD Permitting
Upon the April 2, 2026 effective date, sources in the Muskingum River area are no longer subject to Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) permitting and instead will be subject to Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting requirements. The EPA explicitly states the action "relieves sources in the area of Nonattainment NSR permitting requirements."
Globe Metallurgical Limits Made Federally Enforceable
The EPA approved and incorporated by reference Ohio's Director's Final Findings and Orders (DFFOs) issued to Globe Metallurgical, Inc. on March 26, 2025, into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). Those DFFOs, as incorporated, are federally enforceable as of April 2, 2026 and set emission limits and other requirements for the facility.
Maintenance Plan Requires Annual Emissions Submittals
Ohio's approved maintenance plan for the Muskingum River area includes commitments to annual emissions submittals to verify continued attainment of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS, as required under Clean Air Act section 175A. The EPA found Ohio appropriately fulfilled its maintenance obligations.
EPA Certifies No Significant Small-Entity Impact
The EPA certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and therefore the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analyses (sections 603 and 604) do not apply to this action. The Agency also determined the rule does not trigger Unfunded Mandates Reform Act requirements or qualify as a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866.
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Previous: 2026-06396 — Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Detroit 2010 Sulfur Dioxide Redesignation and Maintenance Plan
Great news for Detroit! The EPA agrees that Detroit’s air is now clean enough to meet the 2010 sulfur dioxide pollution standards. Starting April 2, 2026, Detroit officially moves from 'nonattainment' to 'attainment,' thanks to Michigan’s smart plan to keep the air fresh and safe. This means healthier air for residents and no new costly pollution controls are needed right now.
Next: 2026-06398 — Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Ohio Permit Rules Revisions
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Ohio’s updated air permit rules, making sure state and federal rules match up perfectly. This means businesses and the environment in Ohio will follow clearer, consistent air quality rules starting May 4, 2026. No extra costs or delays are expected, just smoother air protection for everyone!
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