WSJM: EPA proposes lifting Berrien County’s nonattainment status for ozone levels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed redesignating Berrien County as being in “attainment” for national ground-level ozone standards.

For years, the EPA has classified Berrien County as being one of Michigan’s few ozone nonattainment areas, something Michigan’s congressional delegation has sought to change. Now the EPA says following years of “significant pollution reduction,” it’s proposing the removal of the area from that list, along with Muskegon County.

Congressman Bill Huizenga says the news is great for families, workers, and small businesses in Berrien and Muskegon Counties, adding “Lakeshore communities have long demonstrated that we can protect clean air while supporting economic growth.” That’s because when an area is classified as being in “nonattainment,” companies considering an expansion there often face additional air permitting requirements designed to offset emissions.

Congressman Tim Walberg says the EPA’s proposal “would help protect the health and well-being of Michigan families while also providing regulatory certainty for businesses and ensuring that we can continue to grow our economy.”

The EPA says if the proposal is finalized, the redesignation of Berrien County would ensure existing pollution controls will continue to improve air quality and protect human health.

A 30-day comment period now begins, after which the redesignation could become final.

Members of Congress from Southwest Michigan have long contended that the county’s ground-level ozone levels are the result of pollution drifting into the region from Chicago no fault of its own.