EPA proposes stricter smog limits for the US

Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency proposed the nation’s strictest-ever smog limits Thursday morning, a move that could put large parts of the country in violation of federal air-quality regulations.

The EPA proposed allowing a ground-level ozone concentration of between 60 and 70 parts per billion, down from the 75-ppb standard adopted under President George W. Bush in 2008.

That means cracking down even further on the emissions from power plants, factories, landfills and motor vehicles.

Obama administration officials and environmental groups say the new standards align with the levels scientists say are needed to safeguard against increased respiratory diseases, particularly in children, and that they could save $100 billion in heath costs over time. The EPA also said compliance costs could total up to $90 billion nationwide.

A 65-ppb standard — the middle of the proposed range — would avert between 1,700 and 5,100 premature deaths nationwide in 2020, compared to the 75-ppb standard, the EPA estimates. The agency projects the stricter standard would also prevent an additional 26,000 cases of aggravated asthma, compared to the Bush-era standard, and more than a million days when people miss work or school.

The EPA also proposed setting a “secondary standard” to protect plants and trees from repeated smog exposure during growing season, a move environmentalists said would boost national parks, forests and sensitive ecosystems.

Announcing the proposals, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said the agency was “stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face. ... Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier.”

Environmentalists praised the agency for proposing regulations that match the unanimous recommendations of an EPA science advisory committee.

“We applaud EPA for listening to health professionals and scientists, and proposing a rule that provides real protection for millions of people,” said Bruce Nilles, Director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign.