Ohio’s pending request for action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Cleveland ozone area has direct consequences for manufacturers in northeast Ohio, where regulatory certainty is critical to investment, permitting and job growth. In a Jan. 14 letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Gov. Mike DeWine cited certified 2023–2025 air quality data showing the region meets the 2015 ozone standard and outlined steps Ohio has taken to satisfy federal requirements.

At the center of the issue is certainty. Extended nonattainment status can complicate permitting, delay expansion projects and inject unnecessary risk into business decisions even when air quality standards are being met. The letter also highlights concerns that recent court rulings could slow redesignation timelines and impose new requirements without delivering additional environmental benefit. Manufacturers continue to emphasize the need for science-based standards and timely regulatory decisions that support competitiveness and long-term growth.

To help protect regulatory headroom, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is seeking manufacturers willing to engage with the Ohio EPA on additional exceptional events demonstrations to keep Ohio in attainment for both ozone and PM2.5 standards. Manufacturers interested in participating should contact James Lee for details on upcoming meetings and engagement opportunities. 1/20/2026