EPA Approves Illinois Air Quality Standards for Ozone Pollution Control
Official: Air Plan Approval; Illinois; 2015 Ozone Moderate and Serious Reasonably Available Control Technology Update
Reading: EPA approval of stricter pollution-control technology requirements (Moderate and Serious RACT) for volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides strengthens federal ozone air quality protections in these regions.
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In clear language
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is approving updated rules from Illinois that require factories and businesses to use better pollution-control equipment to reduce ozone-forming emissions (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) in the Chicago and St. Louis regions. This approval allows Illinois to meet federal air quality standards for ozone, a harmful air pollutant. The rules apply to industrial facilities in eight counties around Chicago and three counties near St. Louis.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities in Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in Illinois (near Chicago), and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties (near St. Louis)
- Residents and workers in those counties who breathe the air affected by ozone pollution
- State environmental agencies in Illinois responsible for enforcing the new pollution-control rules
What can you do?
- If you live or work in the affected counties, you can monitor local air quality through AirNow.gov to understand when ozone levels are high and plan outdoor activities accordingly
- Support or participate in local environmental groups tracking implementation of these pollution controls in your area
Timeline
- December 18, 2024 – Illinois submitted initial rule revisions
- May 12, 2025 – Illinois submitted supplemental revisions
- August 13, 2025 – Illinois supplemented their submittal
- August 6, 2026 – EPA published this proposed approval
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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