Air Plan Approval; Michigan; 2015 Ozone Moderate Reasonably Available Control Technology
Key claim: EPA is approving Michigan air-pollution rules that require reasonably available VOC and NOx controls in Berrien, western Allegan, and western Muskegon counties, including limits on consumer products and architectural coatings, to meet the 2015 ozone standard.
Abstract
(Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions and additions to Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules (MAPCR) Parts 6 and 8 for inclusion in the Michigan State Implementation Plan (SIP). Michigan submitted these SIP revisions to meet the Moderate Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas (Berrien, Western portion of Allegan, and Western portion of Muskegon counties) under the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard). The EPA is approving rules that limit VOC emissions from consumer products and architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, as SIP strengthening measures for the Western Michigan nonattainment areas under the 2015 ozone standard. The EPA proposed to approve this action on February 27, 2026, and received eleven sets of comments.
Why this matters
RACT approvals lock in federally enforceable VOC and NOx controls on categories like consumer products and architectural coatings, translating the 2015 ozone standard into concrete compliance obligations for Michigan sources. The practical effect is incremental emissions reductions and modest cost increases for manufacturers and formulators serving these western Michigan counties, while helping the state stay on track toward attainment and avoid escalating Clean Air Act sanctions.