NPRA urges EPA caution over proposed ozone standards change

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed changes to federal standards regulating ozone could have a detrimental effect on America’s economy, job growth and consumers, stated Gregory Scott, executive vice president of the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA).

‘The proposed national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone will have a great, and potentially very negative, impact on the nation’s economy and whether the current economy rebound can be sustained,’ Scott said in a statement on 3 March to an EPA advisory panel.

‘It will have a great, and again potentially very negative, impact on the prospects for job creation and retention over the next decade. Its impact on American citizens will be felt for years to come.

‘Air quality is improving and risks are declining without a change to the Ozone NAAQS. Cleaner fuels and cleaner facilities are contributing to this trend and will continue to do so in the future as current programs are fully implemented. The current ozone NAAQS standard and many existing continuing air quality improvement programs are working and will continue to protect public health in the future.’

EPA typically reviews federal air quality regulations every five years, as required by the Clean Air Act. Although the current standard for ozone was established in 2008, EPA is expected to issue changes to the standard this July.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/special-reports/04032011/npra_urges_epa_caution_over_proposed_ozone_standards_change/