Olson, Latta Condemn Unachievable EPA Ozone Standard

Statement

Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), cosponsors of the bipartisan and bicameral Clean Air, Strong Economies Act (CASE) today condemned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to issue a sweeping and unrealistic new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The proposal would lower the current U.S. ozone standard from the current level of 75 parts per billion (ppb) --a rule only now being implemented--down to 70 ppb.

Reps. Olson and Latta want clean, healthy air for their communities; but the proposed level is so low that much of America - including many national parks - would legally be considered "too dirty." This is especially troubling given that much of the ozone in America is outside our control, forming naturally or wafting in from overseas. A standard this low is currently both unachievable with current technology and would have a dramatic impact on the U.S. economy and jobs. The CASE Act, H.R. 1388, would require EPA to protect health AND consider feasibility when issuing rules under the Clean Air Act.

"As a parent and Houstonian who grew up under a veil of smog, I understand the importance of clean and healthy air," Rep. Olson said. "That's why I'm proud of the steps we have taken across America to slash pollution levels from sources large and small. However, even EPA acknowledges they don't how this regulation will be met, and they readily admit they were not obligated to consider whether it is achievable or affordable. Many communities across the country will be in violation of this new rule before a car is driven or a new business can open thanks to so-called background ozone that forms naturally or blows in from other countries. With bipartisan legislation like the CASE Act, I believe we can keep America on the path to cleaner air without strangling economic growth."

"The EPA's own data indicates adherence to current regulations is already working to reduce ozone. Without allowing sufficient time for counties to implement the current ozone requirements, the EPA has moved the goalposts in the middle of the game, and created what could be the most costly regulation in history. This rule would essentially create a nation of nonattainment counties, and effectively stifle any future investment or economic growth in these regions," said Rep. Latta. "I represent a district with nearly 60,000 manufacturing jobs. These hardworking men and women - in businesses both small and large - should not be faced with the choice of complying with EPA regulations or staying in business. We can protect our environment and protect our economy through commonsense policies like the CASE Act. This new rule accomplishes neither of these goals."

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