Washington, D.C. - Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) was disappointed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Bush Administration has decided to adopt a new national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) for ozone. 

“With the country teetering on a recession, the Bush Administration’s new NAAQS for ozone will have a long-term negative effect on the economy,” said Tom Schatz, president of CAGW.

EPA’s own data shows that 345 counties in the United States already violate the new standard of 0.075 ppm, more than four times the number of counties that cannot meet the current standard of 0.08 ppm.  This means states, in order not to lose highway funds or face even stricter air quality standards, will be forced to take drastic measures to meet the new ozone standard.  States could place severe controls on businesses, requiring huge capital outlays or local governments may decide not to issue building permits for industries or other manufacturers, which will lead to lower economic growth and a loss of jobs.

“It is ironic that on one hand the administration fought hard for passage of a stimulus package to spur the economy, while on the other hand, it is now ordering a lower ozone standard that will severely harm economic growth across the nation,” declared Schatz. 

None of this is necessary.  According to the EPA, current regulations will significantly reduce ground level ozone-causing emissions over the next 20 years.  For example, between 1970 and 2006, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 54 percent and ozone dropped 21 percent between 1980 and 2006.  Furthermore, there is considerable disagreement among the scientific community on the methodology the EPA used to determine whether a new ozone standard is needed, such as underestimating the background levels of ozone.  “While clean air is important, government decisions such as this one need to consider the benefits, risks, and costs involved.  We are concerned the costs of this new standard will far outweigh the benefits,” said Schatz.

While the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to periodically review the NAAQS for pollutants that are considered harmful – ozone, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead – it does not require a revision.

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.