EPA Approves Illinois Plan to Reduce Air Pollution in Chicago and St. Louis Areas
Official: Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Moderate Attainment Plan Elements for the Chicago and Metro East Areas for the 2015 Ozone Standard
Reading: EPA approval of Illinois's existing State Implementation Plan elements for ozone attainment, including reasonable further progress demonstrations and motor vehicle emissions budgets, extends the approved air quality framework without substantive changes to stringency.
Illinois must meet these targets by 2023 and continue working toward cleaner air for residents in these regions.
In clear language
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Illinois' plan to improve air quality in the Chicago and Metro East St. Louis areas by reducing ozone pollution to meet federal standards. The plan includes requirements for vehicle emissions testing, limits on pollution from new factories and businesses, and a detailed inventory of current pollution sources. Illinois must meet these targets by 2023 and continue working toward cleaner air for residents in these regions.
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?
- Residents in Chicago and the Metro East St. Louis area who breathe the air daily
- Car owners who will need to pass emissions inspections under the vehicle testing program
- Businesses and factories planning to open or expand in these areas
- State environmental agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing air quality rules
What can you do?
- Make sure your vehicle passes required emissions inspections to help reduce pollution
- Support local initiatives that promote clean transportation, like public transit or electric vehicles
- Stay informed about local air quality reports and limit outdoor activities on high-pollution days
Timeline
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- Effective: 2026-06-15
- 2026-06-15: Plan becomes effective
- 2023: Year by which Illinois must meet emissions reduction targets
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- 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'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 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.