EPA Smog Standard Proposal (2009)
Posted by benarmstrong on 1/7/2010 8:14:57 PM.
This policy was first proposed by Environmental Protection Agency.
Level of Government: National
Status: Proposed

Abstract
Background:
States and environmental activists have challenged as too weak the previous EPA regulations on ground-level ozone, or smog. The Obama administration has responded to these criticisms by proposing a more stringent cap on the level of smog.The new proposal is estimated to mitigate public health issues that result from exposure to smog, and to protect ecosystems at risk due to smog concentrations.
Purpose:
The purpose of the new regulations is to minimize the negative public health and ecological effects of smog.
Plans:
The new regulations change the maximum smog concentration from .075 parts per million to between .06 and .07 parts per million. The new regulations also set seasonal limits that seek to protect plants and trees from continued smog exposure.
Resources:
The new regulations are proposed. They are subject to public comment and hearings before they are finalized. EPA estimates predict that the new rules would "yield health benefits between $13 Billion and $100 Billion." The estimated costs to implementation are estimated to be $19 Billion and $90 Billion.

Policy Details
The new smog standards seek to limit the amount of ground-level ozone in the atmosphere to between .06 and .07 parts per million. The previous standard was .075 parts per million. The new emissions goal also includes a secondary standard that sets a seasonal standard in order to protect ecosystems. The EPA describes the standard as an index value between 7 and 15 ppm measured 12 hours per day over three months.
Related Links
Press Release Announcing Smog Standard Proposal (EPA): The EPA argues that the new proposal will have beneficial public health effects, and outlines its main provisions.
"E.P.A. Seeks Stricter Rules for Pollutants Causing Smog" (NYT): The New York Times reports on the new EPA regulations and their potential effects on the energy industry.

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The following policies address similar issues:
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 proposed by The United States Congress
The New Energy for America Plan (The Obama Plan) proposed by Barack Obama for President
Green Recovery Program proposed by Center for American Progress
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 proposed by California State Assembly and the State Air Resources Board
EU Climate and Energy Plan proposed by European Union
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Waxman-Markey) proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman, Rep. Ed Markey
Copenhagen Accord proposed by 5 Nations, UN Framework on Climate Change, Copenhagen Climate Change Conference
EPA Smog Standard Proposal (2009) proposed by Environmental Protection Agency