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EPA Is Expected to Announce Proposal for Stricter Ozone Standards
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The ozone standard was lowered by the EPA in 1997, a decision that was strenuously opposed by business and industry groups.
The Clean Air Act requires a scientific review of the ozone standard every five years, and the American Lung Association and other advocacy groups sued the agency after that period had passed with no action. The two sides reached an agreement that resulted in the agency's commitment to produce a new review and proposal by midnight yesterday.
Under the agreement, the EPA called together its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee to review recent studies on the health effects of ozone. The committee ultimately concluded unanimously that the current standard does not adequately protect public health. It urged lowering the allowable level to 60 to 70 parts per billion.
According to S. William Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, 104 of the 639 counties currently monitored for ozone pollution are still not complying with the 1997 standards. Under the new EPA proposal, 398 counties would be in violation of standards, he said.
Under the Clean Air Act, local officials in areas that exceed allowable air pollution levels are required to take steps to come into compliance or possibly lose federal funds. The Washington area has been a chronic violator of air pollution standards, and Nolen of the American Lung Association pointed out that heightened "code orange" pollution-level warnings have been necessary for the past two days.
According to the supporters of stricter standards, business and industry groups have gone to the White House in recent days to lobby against the EPA proposal. On its Web site, the National Association of Manufacturers said in a summary: "The NAM continues to educate key Administration officials about the necessity of offering the current standard as a regulatory option on which to comment during the upcoming rulemaking. The cost of implementing a stricter standard could exceed $100 billion."
By formally allowing comments on keeping the current ozone standards unchanged, the advocates said, the administration did what the business community asked for.
The public will have 90 days to comment on the proposed rule, and public hearings are being planned around the country.
