EPA Administrator Says Ozone Standard Will Not be Raised
Last week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the agency will not raise the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone.
Wheeler said the agency will keep the 70 parts per billion (ppb) that was set in 2015 by the Obama Administration after data showed that ozone concentrations fell 4 percent between 2017 to 2019.
In 2015, the Obama Administration reduced the ozone standard from 75 ppb which was set in 2008. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to set NAAQS every 5 years.
In a statement, Administrator Wheeler said, “Under President Trump, the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing ozone concentrations across the nation. Based on a review of the scientific literature and recommendation from our independent science advisors, we are proposing to retain existing ozone standards which will ensure the continued protection of both public health and the environment.”
