EPA Releases Stringent Ozone Proposal

Released February 2, 2010

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal in January for a more stringent primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard to protect human health, as well as a more stringent secondary standard to protect the environment. If adopted, the proposed rule would increase the number of non-attainment areas that will require reductions in emission standards and require offsets in order to develop new sources and continued focus on reducing automotive emissions.

Under the revised proposal, EPA would accelerate identification of non-attaining areas and development and consideration of state implementation plans needed to meet the new standard. States would recommend areas to be designated as not in attainment of the revised standard in Jan. 2011, with final determinations by EPA by July 2011.

According to EPA’s own estimates, the proposed pollution reductions would increase costs by as much as $90 billion a year by 2020.

Once the proposal is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to submit comments. The agency plans to issue a final rule by Aug. 31. A copy of the proposal is located on EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/actions.html#jan10s.

For more information, contact Stephanie Salmon, Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Washington Office, at ss@wafed.com or 202/842-4864.