The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, also known as smog. The proposed updates are intended to improve public health protection for those most at risk, including children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, in addition to improving the health of trees, plants, and ecosystems.
EPA’s current primary health standard and secondary environmental standard is an 8-hour standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb), set in 2008. EPA has proposed to strengthen the standards to a level within a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion to better protect Americans’ health and the environment, while taking comment on a level down to 60 ppb. EPA estimates that the benefits of meeting the proposed standards will significantly outweigh the costs, preventing asthma attacks, heart attacks, missed school days and premature deaths, among other health effects.
EPA will hold three public hearings on the proposed updates, including one in Sacramento:
February 2, 2015
9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
California Air Resources Board
Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 “I” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attendees will be required to show valid picture identification to enter the buildings. The public may register to speak at a specific time at the hearing by contacting Eloise Shepherd at (919) 541-5507 or shepherd.eloise@epa.gov. Attendees may also register in person on the day of the hearing. EPA will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 17, 2015. EPA will issue a final rule by Oct. 1, 2015.
Detailed information on the proposal and instructions for submitting written comments can be accessed here.