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07 Jan 2010: EPA Tightens Limits
On Pollutants That Cause Smog

In a move that could lead to Americans breathing significantly cleaner air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed further limitations on the amount of pollution-forming ozone in the air. Setting aside laxer standards adopted by the Bush administration, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said the agency intends to reduce the amount of ozone in the air from 75 parts per billion to between 60 and 70 parts per billion. Saying that smog and ozone pollution pose a major risk to children and people with asthma and lung disease, Jackson declared, “Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long-overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier.” If the tougher regulations are adopted after a 60-day comment period, cities and states would be required to further crack down on sources of air pollution, from cars, to power plants, to lawnmowers. The EPA said that the new regulations — praised by medical groups such as the American Lung Association — will cost between $19 billion and $90 billion to implement and will yield health benefits of $13 billion to $100 billion.

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