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?
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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.
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