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PR STATEMENT OF CAROL BROWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, U.S. EPA

Release Date: 03/12/97
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PR STATEMENT OF CAROL BROWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, U.S. EPA

For Release: Wednesday, March 12, 1997

Statement of Carol M. Browner
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Today marks the close of the public comment period for EPA's proposed revisions in the health standards for smog and soot, and with it the conclusion of the most extensive outreach process ever conducted by EPA for developing a public health standard.

The public comment period, required by the Clean Air Act, is designed to ensure that state and local governments, businesses large and small, community groups, scientists, environmentalists and ordinary citizens are given a chance to weigh in with their opinions during the process of setting air standards.

In addition to the comments we received through four public hearings held at locations throughout the country, EPA received more than 17,000 letters, 3,000 e-mail messages, and 15,000 phone calls to a special "888" number.

As EPA begins the task of analyzing these comments, we are mindful of our responsibility, under the law, to give them utmost consideration in the setting of the new public health standards. I want to thank everyone who devoted time and effort to be part of this process. They should know that we take their input seriously and that their contributions are invaluable to helping EPA fulfill its duty to protect the public health and the environment.

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