News Releases from Region 06

MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA to Hold Public Hearing in Arlington, Texas on Proposed Smog Standards

DALLAS - (Jan. 5, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for ground-level ozone, also known as smog. EPA has proposed to strengthen the standards to a level within a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion (ppb) to better protect Americans' health and the environment, while taking comment on a level down to 60 ppb. The agency 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.

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 29
9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Arlington City Hall
101 W. Abram Street
Arlington, Texas, 76010

The public may register to speak at a specific time at a hearing by contacting Eloise Shepherd at 919-541-5507 or shepherd.eloise@epa.gov. People may also register in person on the day of the hearing. EPA will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 17, 2015. The agency will issue a final rule by Oct. 1, 2015.

More information on the proposal and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/glo/actions.html

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm