The proposed changes could significantly impact public health in Northwest Indiana, a region already grappling with elevated ozone levels and related health issues. Residents, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and lupus, are at heightened risk of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems and increased mortality. Critics argue that the proposal prioritizes industrial convenience over public health, potentially reversing years of progress in improving air quality. The combination of high ozone levels and smoke from Canadian wildfires has already led to a week of Air Quality Action Day designations, further exacerbating health risks for local communities.