State Representative Heidi Workman announced on April 8 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed redesignating the Cleveland Area as meeting national health-based standards for ground-level ozone, following three years of compliant air quality data.
The proposed change is significant because it could make the permitting process faster and more predictable for local businesses while maintaining protections for public health. The affected region includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties.
“This is a significant win for Northeast Ohio and for the residents of Portage County. Achieving attainment reflects years of progress in improving our air quality while supporting responsible economic growth,” said Workman. “This redesignation will help streamline the permitting process, giving our local businesses more certainty while maintaining strong protections for public health.”
Workman also said that despite this progress additional efforts are needed and voiced support for eliminating E-Check requirements through House Bill 115, which she co-sponsors.
The EPA plans to publish its proposal in the Federal Register and will open a 30-day period during which members of the public can submit comments. Details about how to participate will be announced soon.
Workman joined Governor Mike DeWine, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce, State Representative Bill Roemer, and EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel at a press conference in Cleveland regarding this announcement.
