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EPA Listens as State, Tribal and Local Leaders Provide Input on Updating Air Pollution Standards to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Panel at listening session
Attendees at listening session
February 17, 2011
More than 60 people attended a listening session on Thursday, February 17, at EPA's regional office in Chicago. The event was an opportunity for some of EPA's top leaders to hear from partners at the state, local and tribal levels about greenhouse gas emission standards for petroleum refineries and electric power generating plants. EPA is in the process of developing new standards, and is considering input from a number of stakeholder groups.
Gina McCarthy, EPA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, told the crowd that the purpose of the session was to hear diverse opinions and a variety of thoughts. "This is an opportunity for you to talk and for us to listen," McCarthy said.
With nine people on the panel and more joining by phone, the event was a brainstorming session that provided EPA staff with exactly what they asked for.
For example, Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott emphasized the need for EPA to consider environmental justice implications as it develops greenhouse gas standards. Joining by phone, Susana Hildebrand, Chief Engineer at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, called on EPA to take its time in developing the standards. Brian Turner, Assistant Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board, asked EPA to make Best Practices available to the states. Tribal perspectives came from Joy Wiecks, Air Quality Technician for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Environmental Department, and Charlie Lippert, Air Quality Technician for the Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Lippert spoke for tribes in the Midwest, but also reminded EPA to consider the needs of Native Americans in places like American Samoa in the Pacific Ocean.
Several people in the audience were invited to make statements at the end of the session.
The listening session was the third of five held by EPA as it prepares to draft greenhouse gas emission standards. Similar sessions for other stakeholder groups will be held in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
For more information on the updated air standards and to submit written comments