August 5, 2026
From the Ohio EPA
Columbus, OH – The state of Ohio has reached a historic environmental milestone. For the first time in more than two decades, all 88 counties are designated as attainment. The achievement follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s redesignation announcements of the Cleveland and Canton areas to “attainment” for the 2015 ozone and 2008 lead standards.
A designation of attainment means Ohio has achieved the federal air quality standard at that point in time and has plans in place to help maintain it in the future. The attainment designations reflect decades of work to reduce air pollution, improve air quality, and ensure cleaner air for every Ohioan.
“Today’s announcement is another major environmental victory for Ohio,” Governor Mike DeWine 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.”
Reaching statewide attainment status is the result of long-term investments in new technologies, emissions reductions, improved pollution controls, and partnerships at every level of government. It demonstrates that Ohio can improve environmental quality while continuing to support economic growth.
Cleaner air benefits every Ohioan by reducing pollutants that contribute to respiratory illnesses, improving the quality of life, and protecting the health of children, older adults, and those with underlying health 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.”
“It’s a day worth celebrating and one that speaks to the collaboration, the resilience, and the dedication of everyone involved,” Ohio EPA Director John Logue said. “Ohioans and Ohio businesses made this happen, and Ohio EPA is excited to build on this momentum.”
Having the entire state of Ohio designated as attainment, especially in Northeast Ohio, enables additional economic development that was difficult to achieve with the rigorous requirements associated with nonattainment designations.
Although statewide attainment designations mark an historic achievement, Ohio EPA will continue working with local communities, businesses, and federal partners to protect this progress. The agency will also continue monitoring air quality, implement programs to reduce emissions, and ensure Ohio remains in attainment for years to come.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, areas redesignated to attainment must continue meeting air quality standards and maintain those standards for at least 10 years. As a result, emission-reduction programs like E-Check will need to remain in place in Northeast Ohio to help preserve clean air, reduce emissions, and ensure the region continues to meet federal standards.
