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U.S. EPA takes action on South Coast Air Basin ozone measures / Action will help achieve less smog

Release Date: 10/15/2008
Contact Information: Margot Perez-Sullivan, (415) 947-4149, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

LOS ANGELES – In an effort to improve the air quality for millions of residents in California’s South Coast Air Basin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking action on various South Coast Air Basin 1-hour ozone measures.

EPA is proposing to approve parts of California’s 2003 plan to meet the 1-hour ozone standard in the South Coast. These measures will result in further emissions reductions for the South Coast.

EPA is also proposing to disapprove parts of the plan which represent revisions to previously-approved plan elements. These particular revisions are not required by the Clean Air Act, and thus, no sanctions are associated with the disapprovals.

“This action helps the South Coast continue its efforts to attain the 1-hour ozone standard while assuring progress in attaining the newer, more protective 8-hour standard”, said Debbie Jordan, the EPA’s Air Division director for the Pacific Southwest region.

Ozone contributes to what we typically experience as "smog," health effects include coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath.

The EPA is currently under a consent decree with the Shafer, Calif.-based Association of Irritated Residents and the Natural Resources Defense Council to propose action on the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast 1-hour ozone plans by October 15, 2008 and finalize action by January 15, 2009.

The EPA encourages the public to comment on this proposed action. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register which should be within two weeks.

For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/region09/air/actions/ca.html