EPA moves ozone decision to August

A new ozone rule from the EPA, which has already been delayed three times, has been deferred again, moving back the projected decision date of July 29th to sometime in August. The agency originally said it would come out with a final rule last summer, deciding whether to change the national ambient air quality standard for ground-level ozone, the main component of smog. In 2008, the ozone standard was lowered from 84 parts per billion (ppb) to 75 ppb. The Obama administration has proposed a standard between 60 and 70 ppb, which was the range recommended by EPA's scientists.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has made setting a new ozone standard that is strong enough to protect public health a priority. Supporters of stricter rules say the health benefits are reason enough to act now and that waiting could have a steep cost for public health. Those against a lower standard argue that it would cost billions of dollars and require cleanups in many new parts of the country and could push heavy industry away from the United States.

To keep up with the latest news on the ozone decision, visit the EPA’s website.