On July 3, 2019, USEPA issued a proposed rule finding the Columbus, Ohio area is attaining the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The Columbus area is currently designated as nonattainment for the 2015 ozone NAAQS. However, in response to Ohio EPA’s request for redesignation to attainment supported by monitoring data for 2016-2018, USEPA determined that the Columbus area has met the requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to designate the area in attainment of the 2015 ozone NAAQS. The 2015 ozone NAAQS is attained in an area when the 3-year average of the annual fourth highest daily maximum 8-hour average concentration is equal to or less than 0.070 ppm at all of the ozone monitoring sites in the area.
In connection with the proposed attainment designation, USEPA is proposing to approve Ohio’s maintenance plan to keep the Columbus area in attainment of the 2015 ozone NAAQS through 2030. USEPA is also proposing to approve Ohio’s 2023 and 2030 VOC and NOx Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets for the Columbus area.
Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by August 2, 2019.