EPA issues
instructions on cutting ozone to meet 8-hour standard
Nov. 10Federal environmental regulators
issued a final rule Nov. 9 that instructs states and local and tribal
governments on how to develop plans for reducing ozone pollution in
areas that do not meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency´s
health-based standards.
"This rule signifies EPA´s commitment to working with communities to
develop cost-effective plans," said Bill Wehrum, EPA acting assistant
administrator for air and radiation.
The Phase II Ozone Implementation Rule outlines emission control and
planning requirements for states to address as they develop their plans
demonstrating how they will reduce ozone pollution to meet the 8-hour
ozone standard.
A recent EPA analysis found that moving from the 2000-2002 monitored
ozone levels to full attainment with the 8-hour standards would yield
substantial health benefits. The analysis indicates the new standard
each year could result in a reduction of hundreds of premature deaths,
thousands of hospital admissions, and more than 900,000 school absences,
according to the EPA.
Ground-level ozone, a primary ingredient in smog, is formed when
volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react chemically in the
presence of sunlight. Cars, trucks, power plants and industrial
facilities are primary sources for the emissions.
The Phase II rule requires states to demonstrate through modeling
that nonattainment areas will attain the 8-hour ozone standard as
expeditiously as possible.
The rule also outlines new source review requirements for areas not
meeting the 8-hour standard.
Information about the new rule is available online at
www.epa.gov/ozonedesignations.
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