CONTACT: Sarah McBride
Program Coordinator, Media and Public Engagement
smcbride@momscleanairforce.org
617-918-7241
In a disappointing decision, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced they would initiate a new review of ozone, delaying a reconsideration of an unsafe ozone level that the previous Administration chose to maintain. Instead of proceeding with the reconsideration, which could result in a more health protective ozone standard, they will undertake a new scientific review of ozone (smog) pollution levels, which will postpone the adoption of health protective standards until the end of 2025.
The Clean Air Act requires these standards to be updated in a five-year review cycle. The last time the agency updated the limit was in 2015. That standard — which was untouched in a Trump era review — is 70 parts per billion.
“This amount is considerably higher than what the EPA’s own scientific experts recommend for air that is safe and healthy to breathe, which are the basic tenets of the Clean Air Act,” said Elizabeth Brandt, National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force. “Delaying this review is unacceptable given what we know now about the health risks associated with ozone pollution.”
Ground-level ozone (smog) forms through the reaction between heat, sunlight, and pollutants that mainly come from non-electric cars, power plants, industrial facilities, and oil and gas pollution. Unhealthy ozone levels increase heart and lung diseases, cause premature deaths, and disproportionately affect low income and communities of color.
“In deciding to move the goalpost, the EPA has put the health of millions at risk for years to come. We demand that EPA quickly enact clean air rules that protect our families and communities and reflect the best science of today.” said Brandt.