MMAC Supports Fair Air Standards Act to Protect Wisconsin Jobs and Employers
Bill targes ozone rules that unfairly penalize businesses for pollution originating beyond state lines
April 28, 2026 (MILWAUKEE) – The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) applauds the introduction of federal legislation by several members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation – Representatives Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman and Tom Tiffany – to address ozone nonattainment designations affecting large portions of southeastern Wisconsin.
The Fair Air Standards Act would ensure communities are not penalized for ozone levels driven largely by air pollution originating outside Wisconsin’s borders. Under current federal standards, all or portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Sheboygan and Kenosha counties are subject to stricter air quality regulations imposing significant compliance costs on local employers despite limited ability to control out‑of‑state pollution sources.
“Wisconsin employers are being asked to shoulder the cost of an air quality problem they did not create,” said Dale Kooyenga, MMAC President and CEO. “The Fair Air Standards Act brings much‑needed fairness and a science-based approach by recognizing the real sources of ozone pollution and ensuring our businesses aren’t punished for emissions drifting in from other states. This legislation is a commonsense step to protect jobs, investment and Wisconsin’s economic competitiveness.”
MMAC has identified this issue as its top federal legislative priority. In late 2024, the EPA reclassified a large area of southeastern Wisconsin from a “moderate” to “serious” nonattainment status, triggering costly compliance requirements for businesses. This, despite air quality data showing 90 percent of harmful ozone emissions originating from out of state.
“For a region competing nationally for talent, capital investment and growth, current regulations put southeastern Wisconsin at a distinct disadvantage through no fault of its own,” said Kooyenga. “The Fair Air Standards Act addresses both economic competitiveness and environmental protection, instead of forcing one to come at the expense of the other.”
MMAC urges Congress to advance the Fair Air Standards Act. Policies that promote fairness are essential to sustaining a strong economy and continued investment across southeastern Wisconsin.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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