EPA Approves Illinois's Plan to Reduce Air Pollution and Protect Visibility
Official: Air Plan Approvals; Illinois; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period; Interstate Transport of Air Pollution for the 2012 PM2.5 and 2015 Ozone NAAQS
Reading: The EPA proposes to approve Illinois' existing regional haze and infrastructure SIP submissions without substantive changes to stringency or scope, extending the regulatory framework for the second implementation period.
This approval means Illinois can move forward with their air quality improvement goals.
In clear language
The EPA is approving Illinois's plan to reduce air pollution and protect visibility in national parks and wilderness areas for the next phase of their air quality program. Illinois submitted updated strategies showing how they will reduce harmful particles and ozone in the air while ensuring their pollution doesn't harm neighboring states. This approval means Illinois can move forward with their air quality improvement goals.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Illinois residents and communities dealing with air pollution and haze
- People who visit national parks and scenic federal areas in Illinois and nearby states
- Businesses and industries that produce air pollution in Illinois
- Residents in neighboring states affected by air pollution drifting from Illinois
What can you do?
- Monitor local air quality reports using AirNow.gov to understand pollution levels in your area
- Reduce personal emissions by using public transportation, carpooling, or walking when possible
- Support or advocate for local clean air initiatives and industrial emission controls in your community
Timeline
- June 3, 2024 - Illinois submitted their regional haze plan
- September 29, 2017 - Earlier air quality submission deadline
- May 16, 2019 - Another air quality submission deadline
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- Federal RegisterOct 19, 2026EPA approval of Arizona's air quality improvement plan for Pinal County dust pollution
The EPA is approving Arizona's plan to reduce dangerous dust (PM10) pollution in Pinal County to meet federal clean air standards by December 31, 2026. The plan includes limits on vehicle emissions and describes how the state will achieve healthy air quality levels. This approval allows Arizona to move forward with implementing the dust-reduction strategies outlined in the plan.
- Federal RegisterOct 19, 2026EPA Approves Arizona's Plan to Reduce Dust Pollution from Farms in West Pinal County
The EPA is approving Arizona's new rules to reduce dust and particulate pollution from farms and livestock operations in West Pinal County, which currently has air quality problems. These rules require agricultural businesses to follow best management practices to cut down on dust emissions. This is a federal action that doesn't directly change New Jersey's rules, but it shows how states must address air pollution under federal clean air law.
- Federal RegisterOct 19, 2026EPA approval of Arizona dust control rules for air quality
The EPA is proposing to approve new rules created by Arizona's Pinal County Air Quality Control District to reduce harmful dust particles in the air. These rules would regulate dust from unpaved roads, construction sites, vacant lots, and other sources that create fine particulate matter. This is a federal action affecting air quality in Arizona under the Clean Air Act.
- Federal RegisterOct 19, 2026EPA Approves Arizona's Updates to Clean Gasoline and Fuel Programs
The EPA is approving Arizona's updated rules for cleaner-burning gasoline programs in Phoenix and Tucson that reduce air pollution from cars. The update clarifies how the programs work and removes an older gasoline set-aside program that is no longer needed. These changes do not add new costs or requirements for drivers or businesses.