The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to amend a set of air pollution control rules aimed at curbing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from industrial sources across the state, with a public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 2 at the agency's headquarters in downtown Columbus.
The proposed changes target Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-110, titled “Nitrogen Oxides – Reasonably Available Control Technology” (RACT). These rules regulate NOx emissions from large-scale combustion sources such as boilers, turbines, engines, and reheat furnaces — specifically those located at facilities that emit more than 50 tons per year of NOx in the Cleveland area and more than 100 tons per year in the Cincinnati area.
"NOx is a major precursor to ground-level ozone — a toxic component of smog that inflames lungs and aggravates respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD," said Jason Salley, founder of Ohio Atomic Press. "This rule update is part of Ohio’s federally mandated strategy to maintain clean air under the Clean Air Act."
What’s Changing?
The Ohio EPA is proposing to revise the following five rules:
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3745-110-01 – Definitions
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3745-110-02 – Applicability
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3745-110-03 – RACT requirements and/or limitations for NOx emissions
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3745-110-04 – Compliance deadlines
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3745-110-05 – Compliance methods
In a move that’s already raising eyebrows, the agency is also proposing an exemption from certain NOx limits for Kent State University, citing a Clean Air Act Section 110(l) “anti-backsliding” demonstration — a legal maneuver used to prove that exemptions won’t lead to worse air quality than before.
The Bigger Picture
The updated rules are part of Ohio’s State Implementation Plan (SIP), required by Part D of Title I of the Clean Air Act. SIPs lay out each state’s strategy to achieve or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) — federal limits for key pollutants like ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.
Failure to comply with NAAQS can trigger harsh penalties, including the loss of federal highway funds and stricter permitting requirements for industries.
Public Hearing Info
📅 Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Ohio EPA, 50 West Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
📧 To testify: Email mary.mccarron@epa.ohio.gov
Registration isn’t required to attend, but those wishing to speak are encouraged to email ahead of time to ensure they’re heard early. Testimony may be limited to five minutes depending on turnout.
Both the proposed rule amendments and the CAA Section 110(l) justification for the Kent State exemption are available online through Ohio EPA’s official website.
What’s at Stake?
While the EPA touts the updates as a technical refresh aligned with federal requirements, environmental advocates are watching closely for potential loopholes, rollbacks, or sweetheart deals — especially in light of the Kent State carve-out.
Ohio Atomic Press will continue monitoring this regulatory process and reporting on its implications for air quality, public health, and environmental justice across the Buckeye State.
For those who’ve been breathing the smog and catching the cough — this is your moment to speak up.
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