EPA finds Baltimore area meets ozone standard but keeps nonattainment status
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Table of Contents
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the Baltimore metropolitan area in Maryland now meets federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone. This decision, known as a Clean Data Determination, is based on certified monitoring data from 2022 through 2024.
Why it matters: This determination suspends certain federal requirements for Maryland, including the need to submit new plans showing how it will reduce ozone pollution or implement contingency measures. These obligations remain paused only as long as the air continues to meet the standard. If readings rise again, those requirements could return.
Who it affects
- The State of Maryland and its Department of the Environment
This action was published by the Environmental Protection Agency in the Federal Register as a final rule; readers should check the original document for full technical details.
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Source: Federal Register — read the official document