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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 6, 2026
EGLE Media Office, EGLE-Media-Office@michigan.gov, 517-284-9278
Josef Stephens, EGLE Spokesperson, StephensJ15@Michigan.gov, 517-897-4965
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced the official end of the 2026 ozone season, marking another year of strong air quality results across Michigan and continued progress in reducing ground-level ozone pollution. Ozone season in Michigan runs from March through October, when weather conditions are most favorable for ozone formation.
“The progress we’ve made in reducing ozone pollution is clear and reflects years of investment in cleaner technologies, stronger emissions controls, and strong partnerships,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Most importantly, this progress means cleaner air to breathe, healthier communities, and a better quality of life for people across Michigan.”
During the 2026 season, Michigan's air monitoring network measured ozone levels statewide, including during periods when wildfire smoke affected air quality. Even with those impacts, monitoring data showed ozone levels across most of the state were at or below federal air quality standards.
While the 2026 results continued a long-term trend of cleaner air across Michigan, Holland remained the exception, recording the highest ozone concentrations in the state. This is largely due to transport of pollution across Lake Michigan from upwind states.
All other monitoring locations, including those in the Detroit metropolitan area, remained in compliance with the federal ozone standard. The results are consistent with the long-term trend of improving air quality in southeast Michigan, driven by decades of emission reductions from cleaner vehicles and fuels, modern pollution controls, and other environmental investments.
EGLE continues to monitor air quality across the state, issue Air Quality Alerts when needed, and work with local communities, businesses, and public health partners to reduce emissions and protect public health.
 More information
- For up-to-date and historic air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir
- For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPA’s Air Now site: AirNow.gov
- Frequently Asked Questions on ozone: FAQ: Ozone
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