The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that several areas in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin have failed to meet the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards by the required deadline. As a result, these areas will be reclassified as "Serious" nonattainment zones starting January 16, 2025. This reclassification means that they must now meet stricter regulations to reduce ozone pollution by August 3, 2027. This decision is part of the EPA's duty to ensure air quality improves in areas that do not meet federal standards.
Simple Explanation
The EPA found out that some places in the Midwest, like parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, have too much bad air (ozone) and didn't fix it in time. So now, these areas will have to follow stricter rules to clean the air by a new deadline.