EPA Identifies U.S. Areas That Exceed Smog Limits
Long-Overdue Announcement Will Allow Implementation of Life-Saving Protections, Leaves Safeguards in Some Areas Unaddressed
Washington, D.C. – May 1 2018) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today identified certain areas across the country that meet or exceed the nation’s health-based standards for ground-level ozone, more commonly known as smog. The long-overdue and still incomplete action comes in response to a court order requiring EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to begin implementing the life-saving standards for most areas by April 30th. One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Officially called “final area designations,” the identifications are an important first step for communities that are trying to reduce their air pollution levels.
“Today’s action is important to ensure that Americans know about air pollution problems near their homes, and to help communities begin the process of cleaning up the air,” said U.S. District Court ordered the agency to move forward with the designations in response to a lawsuit filed by a broad coalition of states as well as EDF and other health and environmental groups.
In today’s announcement, EPA identified 51 areas in 22 states and two tribal areas that do not meet the 2015 Ozone Standards.
However, EPA declared some areas as meeting the standard even though they had previously determined that they did not. EPA has also not yet announced final area designations for other places. For instance, eight counties in the San Antonio, Texas area will not be designated until July. Yesterday EDF
Media Contact
Latest press releases
- September 23, 2024
-
Court Should Deny Shadow Docket Requests to Block Methane Pollution Limits
September 20, 2024 -
CFTC Guidance will Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Credits
September 20, 2024 -
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024