Adil Trehan, adil.trehan@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The EPA announced today that it will reconsider the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone (smog pollution). Under the previous administration, EPA declined to strengthen the standard, leaving in place the weak 2015 standards that were inadequate for protecting public health and the environment.
Ground-level ozone is a dangerous pollutant that can cause respiratory illness and asthma, and is created when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the atmosphere. Ozone-forming pollutants are emitted by heavy industry, fossil fuel power plants, and motor vehicles. The American Lung Association’s 2021 State of the Air report found that over 123 million people live in communities with high levels of ozone, and nearly every state experienced unhealthy levels of ozone this summer according to EDF’s summer ozone report.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Attorney Josh Berman, released the following statement:
"The Sierra Club appreciates President Biden and Administrator Regan for recognizing the need to review the smog standard and ensure it is adequately protective of public health and welfare. The current standard is underprotective and we applaud the administration’s plan to act quickly to issue a new evidence-based standard by December 2023 that is in line with the recommendations of science and public health practitioners like the American Lung Association."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.