Cleveland, OH
EPA proposes Cleveland area redesignation to attainment status
CLEVELAND — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing Cleveland be redesignated to attainment status for ground-level ozone, saying in press release Wednesday that the area meets national standards after years of air monitoring.
“Today’s proposal reflects our commitment to clean air for every community while making it easier for responsible projects to move forward,” EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel said in the release. “Working with Ohio EPA, local leaders, and employers, we cut ozone emissions. That means healthier summers for families across Northeast Ohio and greater certainty for businesses investing and creating jobs.”
According to the EPA, NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions declined by 42% and VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions by around 25% since the area was classified as nonattainment status back in 2018.
“If EPA finalizes the redesignation after considering public comments, air permitting would be faster and more predictable while strong health protections remain in place,” the release reads. “Importantly, existing pollution controls will continue, and regional transportation plans and major road projects will still be reviewed to ensure they do not worsen air quality.”
There will also need to be a maintenance plan keeping the region in attainment status for at least 10 years, per federal law, according to the release.
“This is a big win for public health, our environment, and for Ohio’s future,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “The progress to reduce ground-level ozone in this region sends a clear signal that Ohio is a place where businesses can grow and create jobs while also meeting important environmental standards.”
When saying the “Cleveland area,” this proposal is including the following counties:
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
- Lorain
- Medina
- Portage
- Summit
These are the seven counties currently under E-Check requirements in the state of Ohio, which could change as a result of this proposal should it come to fruition.
The Ohio EPA’s website states that the E-Check program improves air quality by identifying high-emission vehicles that could require repairs. It requires those who have cars between 4 and 25 years old, and that weigh 10,000 pounds or fewer, to have them inspected every two years.
State Rep. Bill Roemer, R-Richfield, recently introduced legislation that would see the Ohio EPA request an end to the requirement within 90 days “if the U.S. EPA determines the region has moved from non-attainment to attainment status.”
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced the termination of a 2009 scientific finding that formed the foundation for the federal government to pursue actions aimed at addressing climate change concerns, saying the repeal would mean emissions standards imposed on vehicles as a result would be lifted.
“This is a momentous day in Northeast Ohio for hardworking families and individuals across the seven impacted counties,” Roemer said in the release. “Having worked diligently on this issue over the past eight years, I’d like to express my gratitude to the U.S. and Ohio EPA for their hard work recognizing air quality improvements in Northeast Ohio.”
The EPA said the proposal will be published in the “Federal Register” and subject to a 30-day public comment period. A final decision will be issued by the EPA after public input is considered.
In May of last year, Cleveland public health officials proposed the first updates to the city’s air pollution ordinances since 1977. City residents also recently expressed concerns about the area’s air quality while taking part in ride-along interviews with the Department of Health, and the American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air Report ranked Cleveland as the ninth worst metro area in the country by “year-round particle pollution.”
In December last year, the U.S. EPA rejected an effort that would have ended E-checks in the seven counties.
“Ohio has done the work to improve air quality, and this redesignation is a recognition of that progress,” Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, said in the release. “It’s a win for Northeast Ohio—making it easier for industry to build, produce energy and do business—while maintaining our commitment to clean air.”
Spectrum News reporters Nora McKeown and Maddie Gannon and senior digital producer Lydia Taylor contributed to this report.
Cleveland, OH
‘Oh, Mary!’ is way beyond PG-13. Can Cleveland audiences handle it?
Cleveland, OH
Kendalle Cobb, MD Obituary April 29, 2026 – Brown-Forward Funeral Service
Kendalle Cobb, MD, age 55, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, passed away on April 29, 2026. She was the loving wife of Andrew Cleminshaw, the loving mother of Catherine Cleminshaw, the loving daughter of Emmett Cobb Jr. and Erma L. Cobb of San Francisco, and the loving sister of Cheryl Chambers (Michael) and Jan Cobb.
Kendalle was born and spent her childhood in San Francisco, California, happily ensconced on Grove Street just a few doors down from the famous Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies. As she grew up, she studied and danced with the San Francisco Ballet while attending the French-American Bilingual School and Lowell High School. During this time, she also began her lifelong fandom of General Hospital, which provided her with a precocious introduction to the field of medicine. She left for the East Coast to attend Harvard University and George Washington University Medical School. She then returned to California for a family medicine residency and later a faculty position at the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center.
In 2004, she became a staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic. During her time there, she rose to assume numerous leadership roles, including membership on the Board of Governors and, most recently, Associate Chief of Staff. Throughout her time, she gave many keynote addresses and worked with numerous constituencies, all with the goal of making the Clinic a place where all community members, patients, and caregivers could thrive.
One of Kendalle’s core teachings was adapted from the author Leo Bascaglia: if a person is a plum, they should be the best plum they can be, not attempt to be a banana. A plum trying to be a banana will only be a second-rate banana. In other words, be true to yourself.
Kendalle practiced family medicine at the Clinic’s Solon Family Health Center, and her patients and colleagues celebrated the empathetic care she provided, the listening she offered, and the emphatic advocacy she delivered.
Kendalle was deeply invested in educating the next generation of doctors. She was a beloved Physician Advisor at the Cleveland Clinic Learner College of Medicine, where she also designed curricula and implemented initiatives, including the diversity dinner program. Among many awards for her work, she received the Outstanding Faculty Contribution Award from CCLCM in 2022. She served as chair of the Diversity Scholars Program steering committee at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, supporting another cohort of future doctors. Her legacy will live on in the doctors whom she mentored and nurtured, holding high standards while helping them bring their full selves to the medical profession.
As part of her commitment to medical education and the training of physicians, Kendalle was selected to serve on and then chair various National Board of Medical Examiners committees, writing and reviewing questions for the USMLE Step 3 exam. She enjoyed meeting regularly with peers from across the country to determine which questions best assess physician readiness.
Kendalle was a treasured friend who curated a beloved “inner circle” whom she supported and who supported her throughout her life. Her Christian faith was a core part of her identity and guided her throughout her life. She was an active member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, serving in many capacities, including president of the Church Council. She had a knack for pastoral relations, nurturing faith leaders up until the very end.
While being a strong, determined leader and role model, Kendalle took time to savor the lighter, human side of life, whether lingering over a meal in the college dining hall, going to concerts with friends, or taking road trips with her family. Kendalle supported the performing arts with a special affinity for musical theater. She often celebrated special occasions in Catherine’s life with a mother-daughter trip to a show, be it at a local venue or across the country. As Catherine took to the theater both on and backstage, Kendalle could always be found in the audience, attending every show, flowers at the ready, leading a standing ovation as the cast took their bows. Kendalle was a beloved wife and mother whose nurturing presence, positive, faithful outlook, and commitment to making the world a better place will be deeply missed.
The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to VelloSano/Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, or Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, 2860 Coventry Rd., 44120, where Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 23rd at 11 am.
Friends may call at Brown-Forward, 17022 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44120, Friday, May 22nd, from 5-7 pm.
Cleveland, OH
Gas prices jump across Northeast Ohio, with some stations nearing $5
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -Drivers across Northeast Ohio have watched gas prices climb sharply over the past few days, with some stations coming close to the $5 mark and analysts say relief may not be coming soon.
At one Cleveland gas station, the price on the sign read $4.99, a number drivers say is becoming harder to avoid.
Many people filling up Wednesday evening told 19 News they’re frustrated by the rapid increases.
“It’s crazy. Sooner or later, we’re going to be at like $5 or like $6,” one driver said.
Another driver added, “We’re getting gas now, but not here.”
According to AAA, the average price for gas in Ohio is $4.22 for regular fuel as of Wednesday. In Cleveland the average was $4.23.
One major factor: crude oil prices. Those prices are trading above $100 a barrel, which can raise the cost of gasoline.
“Crude oil is the main ingredient of gasoline,” said Jim Garrity, the director of public affairs for AAA east central. “So, when it goes up and down, even by a couple dollars here and there, that has an impact on the pump.”
Experts say the last time Ohio experienced prices this high was 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict pushed gas prices above $5 a gallon.
Garrity added even when the U.S. isn’t buying oil directly from certain countries, global events can still affect prices here.”
“Even though we’re not importing Iranian oil in America, it is a globally traded commodity,” Garrity said. “When you see an impact happen overseas well, that splash has ripples and those ripples make their way to us.”
When 19 News was at another Cleveland gas station, prices changed quickly: within about 30 minutes, the price jumped from $4.79 to $4.99. It cost us $30.55 for a little more than six gallons.
“The lady said they went up 70 cents,” another driver said. “She said it was $4.19 earlier, then it shot up to $4.79. Now it’s $4.99. I was going to get gas yesterday, but I forgot.”
One driver who uses premium gas said the surge hits even harder.
“It’s $4.99, I just texted my buddy yesterday, like oh it jumped 80 cents,” the driver said. “I’m glad I’ve got a company card, but this is my personal and I’ve got to spend almost $6 a gallon on gas because it’s premium.”
As for whether prices will drop soon, Garrity says it depends on what crude oil does next.
“What happens next remains to be seen with crude oil prices,” he said.
Garrity says a few options to say on gasoline is drive less or Slow down.
“The faster you go, at AAA, we have found every roughly 5 miles over 50 an hour you’re going, you’re exponentially burning fuel less efficiently and that’s making you a less safe driver, but it’s also making your car work harder and burning fuel less efficiently,” Garrity said.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
-
Denver, CO15 seconds agoTop 3 Priorities for Denver Nuggets During 2026 NBA Offseason
-
Seattle, WA6 minutes agoHow notable ex-Seattle Mariners are doing with new teams
-
San Diego, CA12 minutes agoFans stand by San Diego Mojo in final games amid team’s uncertain future
-
Milwaukee, WI18 minutes agoMilwaukee apartment building fire; 5 jump from balconies, 6 rescued
-
Atlanta, GA24 minutes agoChristian Dior’s first exhibition in the Southeast lands in Atlanta
-
Minneapolis, MN30 minutes agoMinneapolis high school swimmer invents device that detects harmful pool chemicals
-
Indianapolis, IN36 minutes agoHow Blake Shelton became an Ole Red business mogul: Exclusive
-
Pittsburg, PA42 minutes agoFrom basketball move to poem to show at the Carnegie International