Giving States More Time to Meet the EPA’s New Ozone Standards (H.R. 806)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 806?
(Updated March 22, 2018)
This bill would provide states with additional time and flexibility to implement the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised ground-level ozone and air quality standards. The EPA’s standard lowers the allowable amount of ozone from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. It was originally proposed in 2008, but the implementing regulations weren’t published until March 2015 and were revised in October 2015 to include additional state planning requirements.
Certain deadlines imposed by the EPA standards would be delayed, including the designation of states that haven’t met the standards which now wouldn’t occur until 2026. Additionally, the 2015 ozone standard wouldn’t apply to new air permits that are completed before the EPA makes its final nonattainment designations for states that don’t meet the ozone standards.
The review cycle for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) would be extended, so that pollutants under the Clean Air Act are reviewed over 10 years instead of five.
Argument in favor
States need more time to implement the EPA’s ozone standard given that it took the agency about seven years to publish the regulations, which it then revised seven months later. It's wrong to punish states for non-compliance unless they have time to adjust.
Argument opposed
The EPA began the process of crafting the new ozone standards in 2008, so the revisions it added in 2015 shouldn’t be coming as a huge surprise to the states. The standards should be implemented as planned, without the delay proposed by this bill.
Impact
States implementing the EPA’s ozone standard, and the EPA.
Cost of H.R. 806
The CBO estimates that enacting this bill would cost $2 million over the 2018-2020 period.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) introduced this bill to give states time to develop compliance plans for the EPA’s new ozone regulations:
“Our nation has worked hard to reduce ozone levels and improve air quality. As we continue this progress, we need to give states better tools to meet air quality goals efficiently. As we work to keep this trend moving in the right direction, this bill provides needed flexibility so that states and localities can properly achieve new, lower standards with time for compliance.”
This bill encountered resistance from all of the Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee that marked it up, who called it "an irresponsible compilation of attacks that in reality strikes directly at the heart of the [Clean Air Act (CAA)]." In the bill's report, they added:
"In conclusion, H.R. 806 offers no constructive improvements to the CAA. It is designed to erode public health and environmental protections in the guise of regulatory relief. Poor air quality is a significant threat to human health and the environment."
This legislation was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a party-line vote of 29-24, and has the support of 24 cosponsors — including 21 Republicans and three Democrats. During the last session of Congress, this bill's predecessor passed the House on a 234-177 vote but wasn't considered by the Senate before the session concluded.
Of Note: Ozone can be found in two places — earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. Stratospheric ozone forms a protective barrier around the Earth, shielding it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ground level ozone is the main ingredient in “smog” and is more harmful, as it’s produced by chemical reactions between nitrogen and pollutants from cars, power plants, refineries, and other sources.
Media:
- Sponsoring Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) Press Release
- House Energy and Commerce Committee Press Release
- CBO Cost Estimate
- Morning Consult
- Americans for Tax Reform (In Favor - Previous Version)
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce (In Favor - Previous Version)
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Carbon Visuals)
The Latest
-
🌎 Are You Ready To Take Action Against Climate Change?Scientists claim that last year "smashed" the record for the hottest year by a large margin , offering a "dramatic testimony" of read more... Environment
-
Should U.S. Implement a New Tax on AI to Fund Worker Benefits?The debate As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our society. While leaders in AI read more... Artificial Intelligence
-
SCOTUS Hears Arguments of Abortion Pill Mifepristone CaseUpdated March 27, 2024, 12:30 p.m. EST On Tuesday, March 26, the Supreme Court heard arguments about the mifepristone case, read more... Women's Health
-
IT: ⛑️ It's American Red Cross Giving Day, and... How will you give back today?Welcome to Wednesday, March 27th, philanthropists and entrepreneurs... It's American Red Cross Giving Day - a time to ensure the read more...