OHIO — The Ohio Environmental Protection agency announced on Tuesday that all of Ohio has been designated as “attainment” for clean air standards for the first time in more than two decades.
Being designated as “attainment” means an area achieves the federal air quality standard at that point in time and will continue to maintain it in the future, according to the Ohio EPA.
The Ohio EPA said the designation is a reflection of the decades of work to reduce air pollution, including investments in new technologies, emissions reduction, partnerships and more.
“Today’s announcement is another major environmental victory for Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, said. “This is a testament to the state, federal, and local partners, who have dedicated themselves to improving air quality. This achievement will benefit Ohio families and help strengthen our state’s future for years to come, making Ohio an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The Ohio EPA said cleaner air helps improve the quality of life for both children, adults and those with underlying conditions.
“This is an historic achievement for Ohio,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “This milestone would not have been possible without the partnerships we formed across state and local governments, as well as the private sector. This is a true example of cooperative federalism in action.”
According to the Clean Air Act, areas that have been redesignated to attainment need to continue meeting standards for at least 10 years. The Ohio EPA states as a result, emission-reduction programs like E-Check in northeast Ohio will need to remain place, despite recent calls to get rid of it.
The designation comes not long after redesignation announcements of the Cleveland and Canton areas to “attainment” for the 2015 ozone and 2008 lead standards.
Lydia Taylor
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