Akron Beacon Journal - Bob Latta: With Ozone Rule, a "No Grow Zone'

Op-Ed

By Rep. Bob Latta

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed ozone rule has now been released. It stands to be the costliest regulation in history, imposing new standards that are overly burdensome, technically unattainable and deficiently demonstrative of providing any environmental or public health benefits.

Unfortunately, this Obama administration has chosen to ignore the ramifications of this rule while promoting an increasingly radical environmental agenda. The argument in favor of this -- and a growing number of new polices -- builds upon a deceptive premise, one that implies the protection of our environment is incompatible with fostering the growth of our energy and manufacturing sectors.

This is a false choice. States and industry have already demonstrated the ability to balance environmental stewardship and promote the economic growth these industries have provided.

Recent data have shown that the adherence to current regulations -- both state and federal -- and to industry best practices, is already working to reduce ozone while still allowing for economic growth. The EPA's own data indicate that U.S. ozone precursor emissions have been cut in half since 1980, reducing ozone in the air by 33 percent.

This new ozone rule, proposed last year as part of the administration's climate agenda, will revise the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) from the current standard of 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion.

Counties across the country are investing billions of dollars to meet the 2008 NAAQS standards. Without allowing sufficient time for counties to implement these requirements -- the agency only issued guidance to states on implementation this year -- the EPA has effectively moved the goalposts in the middle of the game.

Hundreds of counties nationwide fail to meet the new standards, and will now be subjected to costly regulatory restrictions and compliance requirements.

The final standard levels are so low that some parts of the country could fall into non-attainment even if all human activity in the area were to cease. Indeed, both the Yosemite and the Grand Canyon national parks fall into violation.

Twenty-seven counties in Ohio -- over 30 percent of the state -- fall into non-attainment. This creates regulatory uncertainty that could stifle investment in these areas, and hinder the growth of our economy.

There are nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs in our state. These hard-working Americans in both small and large businesses should not be faced with the choice of complying with EPA regulations or staying in business.

A recent poll from the Center for Regulatory Solutions showed 69 percent of Ohioans think a stricter ozone rule will make it harder for local businesses to start new operations or grow existing ones. This conclusion has also been reached by the manufacturing, energy, construction and transportation industries.

The EPA, when proceeding with new regulations, must take into consideration what is actually achievable, and what would cause significant harm to our economy. Recognizing the great burden the ozone rule would place on businesses both large and small across the country, U.S. Rep. Pete Olson and I recently reintroduced the Clean Air, Strong Economies (CASE) Act, which would require the EPA to include feasibility and economic impact assessments when issuing major rules under the Clean Air Act.

This bipartisan legislation would allow the agency to balance improving our air quality, while ensuring the process does the least harm to our economy.

We all want clean air. We all want to preserve the environment for our children and future generations. We must also protect future generations by creating an environment where businesses can prosper. Despite what the administration is purporting, states are already demonstrating the ability preserve the environment and grow our economy through adherence to best practices, and common-sense regulations.

Latta, a Bowling Green Republican, represents Ohio's 5th U.S. House District and serves as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Prior to the EPA's release of the final rule, Latta joined with U.S. Rep. Gene Green and 135 of other colleagues in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, calling the proposed ozone standard "costly," "burdensome" and "technologically difficult," and asking McCarthy to retain the current standard of 75 parts per billion.

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