EPA Proposes Ozone Redesignations in Michigan for Muskegon County, Berrien County, and Detroit Area After Significant Pollution Reductions

CHICAGO – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed re-designating Muskegon County, Berrien County, and the Detroit, Michigan region, as in “attainment” for national ground-level ozone standards, following years of significant pollution reductions. EPA’s proposal, if finalized, protects human health and the environment by ensuring air quality in these areas will continue to improve while simultaneously unlocking economic growth by easing permitting burdens and providing regulatory certainty for businesses. “Re-designations lead to faster and more predictable air permitting processes, while existing pollution controls continue to drive improvements in air quality,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “This achievement reflects the strong partnerships we’ve built across state and local governments and the private sector—demonstrating cooperative federalism at work.” “This announcement is great news for families, workers, and small business job creators in Berrien and Muskegon Counties. Lakeshore communities have long demonstrated that we can protect clean air while supporting economic growth,” said Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04). “Reaching attainment will reduce permitting burdens, lower costs, and improve affordability. I’m grateful to Administrator Zeldin and Regional Administrator Vogel for their engagement and for advancing the practical, science-based solutions we have worked for years to achieve.” “Over the last few years, local, state, and federal officials have worked alongside industry partners to make sustained, coordinated efforts to reduce pollutants and improve air quality across Michigan,” said Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI-05). “The EPA’s proposal reflects the success of those efforts and would help protect the health and well-being of Michigan families while also providing regulatory certainty for businesses and ensuring that we can continue to grow our economy." In 2018, EPA designated the Detroit area, Muskegon County, and Berrien County as “non-attainment” for ground-level ozone because air monitoring showed levels above the national standard. Since then, EPA, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, local governments, and industry worked together to reduce the main pollutants that form ozone—nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. All air monitors in these three areas show air quality now meets the national ozone standard. If finalized, EPA’s redesignations for these areas ensures existing pollution controls will continue to improve air quality and protect human health. Federal law requires a maintenance plan to keep the area in attainment for at least 10 years. The Detroit area covered by this proposal includes Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties.