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EPA REINSTATES ONE-HOUR SMOG STANDARD
Release Date: 10/21/99
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1999
EPA REINSTATES ONE-HOUR SMOG STANDARD
EPA today announced a proposal to reinstate its one-hour smog standard while the Agency appeals the decision of a three-judge panel in May to strike down the more protective eight-hour standard. EPA remains confident that its eight-hour smog standard will be reinstated upon appeal. The one-hour smog standard will serve as a safety net and guarantee protection of public health during this appeals process. Reinstatement of the one-hour smog standard is a key part of EPA’s strategy to protect public health and provide cleaner air for all Americans. By the end of November, EPA will act on petitions from several states that would reduce 600,000 tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants in 12 Midwestern and Eastern states and the District of Columbia. By the end of December, EPA plans to finalize more stringent tailpipe emission standards for cars, sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks. The Agency is also moving forward with developing new national standards for heavy duty trucks and diesel fuels. Finalizing these clean air actions would ensure public health protection by helping areas meet and maintain the one-hour smog standard. The one-hour reinstatement proposal will appear soon in the Federal Register, but can be accessed immediately on the Internet at: https://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/ramain.html. For further technical information, contact Tom Helms of EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards at 919-541-5527 (e-mail: Helms.Tom@epa.gov).
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