The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has submitted documentation to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking to exclude certain air quality readings from 2023 and 2025 that may have been influenced by exceptional events beyond the state’s control. The submissions address fine particulate matter (PM2.5) episodes in Hamilton, Lucas and Stark counties.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, states may request that air quality data affected by exceptional events, such as wildfire smoke, be excluded from regulatory determinations. Without those exclusions, unusually high pollution readings could contribute to stricter air quality designations, potentially complicating permits for new manufacturing facilities, plant expansions and equipment upgrades.

The demonstrations underwent public comment from Sept. 17 through Oct. 19, with Ohio EPA reporting supportive comments. The agency submitted the documentation Oct. 21 for EPA review.

“Air quality designations influenced by exceptional events can mean longer permitting timelines, higher compliance costs and delayed investments in Ohio manufacturing facilities,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers should be held accountable for their own emissions, not penalized for extraordinary pollution events beyond their control. Getting these determinations right matters to Ohio’s ability to attract investment and support manufacturing jobs.” 10/26/2026