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In a Blow to Public Health, EPA Delays Strengthening Ozone Standards

Union of Concerned Scientists

Despite clear recommendations from its own science advisors, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over the summer that it will delay its scheduled process to consider strengthening public health standards for ground-level ozone pollution. The stakes over ground-level ozone standard are high.

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Evolving Air Quality Standards

Legal Planet

The goal of the Clean Air Act is to achieve national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), with the primary requirement being protection of public health. As our understanding of the health effects of air pollution has improved, there has been a general trend toward tightening the standards. ppm, went up to 0.12

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Improving EPA’s Latest Ozone Transport Rule

Acoel

The downwind air quality benefits are minimal. The proposed rule would provide de minimus air quality benefits in downwind areas with extremely high costs – estimated by EPA at $22 billion discounted 2016 dollars for the 2023-2042 period. enjoyed ozone reductions of 3 to 5 ppb or more. ppb by 2025. EPA estimated that: .

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D.C. Circuit Vacates EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The Energy Law Blog

Wiegand On August 21, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). CSAPR would have required many states, including Louisiana and Texas, to reduce power plant emissions of SO 2 and NO x , particularly during the summer ozone season.

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EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Will Have A Dramatic Impact on Texas and Louisiana

The Energy Law Blog

Specifically, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requires 27 states, including Louisiana and Texas, to make dramatic cuts in power plant emissions. Emissions reductions will take effect quickly, starting January 1, 2012 for SO2 and annual NOx reductions, and May 1, 2012 for ozone season (May-September) NOx reductions.

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EPA Proposal to Rescind Oil and Gas Methane Regulations Has Not Been Adequately Justified and Disregards Negative Climate Impacts

Columbia Climate Law

Methane also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone which is itself a heat-trapping greenhouse gas and, when inhaled by humans, can trigger a variety of health problems from throat irritation and coughing to bronchitis, asthma, and reduced lung function.

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Back in Black: Creating positive changes by focusing on a short-lived pollutant

HumanNature

Outdoor air pollution accounts for approximately 3.7 – 4.8 2011), and the World Health Organization has recommended evaluating a separate health standard for black carbon exposure independent of other particle concentration measurements (World Health Organization 2012). link] Climate & Clean Air Coalition.