Wisconsin's Anti-Ozone Plan Wins EPA Nod of Approval
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Wisconsin’s plan to keep ozone pollution in check in Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan areas by 2023. This plan includes rules for car emissions checks, new pollution controls, and progress goals to keep the air cleaner. If approved, these changes help protect public health without adding big costs, and folks can comment until May 4, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
15% Ozone-Precursor Reductions Approved
The EPA is proposing to approve Wisconsin's Moderate area reasonable further progress (RFP) plan showing at least a 15% reduction in ozone precursor emissions between the 2017 base year and the 2023 milestone year for the Kenosha County area, the Milwaukee area, and Sheboygan County. This approval recognizes that the State's plan meets the 15% RFP requirement and supports cleaner air and public-health protection in those areas.
2023 Motor-Vehicle Emissions Budgets Set
The State submitted 2023 motor vehicle emissions budgets (Budgets) for transportation conformity: Kenosha County VOC 0.89 tpd and NOX 1.22 tpd; Milwaukee Area VOC 10.77 tpd and NOX 14.80 tpd; Sheboygan County VOC 0.56 tpd and NOX 0.95 tpd. Wisconsin included an assumed VMT increase of 7.5% for Kenosha and Milwaukee and 15% for Sheboygan for 2023. If approved, federally funded transportation projects in these areas must conform to these 2023 Budgets.
Nonattainment New Source Review Applies
EPA is proposing to approve Wisconsin's nonattainment new source review (NNSR) program for the Kenosha County area, the Milwaukee area, and Sheboygan County. The NNSR program includes the Moderate-area requirement for greater emissions offsets for new or modified major stationary sources in nonattainment areas.
Motor Vehicle I/M Program Certified
Wisconsin is certifying its existing motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program meets the EPA's Enhanced performance standard (analysis year 2025) and the State says the program satisfies the Basic I/M requirements for the Kenosha County and Milwaukee areas under the 2015 ozone NAAQS. Vehicle owners in the affected nonattainment areas will remain subject to the SIP-approved I/M testing regime.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.
2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources
The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06441 — Finding of Failure To Attain the 2006 24-Hour PM2.5 Standards; California; San Joaquin Valley; Error Correction
The EPA found that California’s San Joaquin Valley didn’t meet the 2006 air quality standards for tiny pollution particles (PM2.5) by the original 2019 deadline. They’re now denying California’s request to extend the deadline to 2024, meaning the state must act faster to clean the air and cut pollution by 5% each year. This change affects local air quality plans and pushes for quicker pollution fixes, with public comments open until May 4, 2026.
Next: 2026-06443 — Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program Revision; California; Monterey Bay Air Resources District
The EPA wants to update Monterey Bay’s air permit rules to remove some old emergency defenses, stop requiring permits for greenhouse gases, and add online public notices alongside newspapers. These changes affect businesses and the public in the Monterey Bay area and aim to make the rules clearer and more modern. You’ve got until May 4, 2026, to share your thoughts before the EPA makes it official.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in