In just a matter of weeks the EPA will be making a landmark decision that could devastate your business and local economy.  An unecessary ozone standard currently under consideration will have a devastating impact on more than $100 billion on America's industrial economy.

The EPA announced plans this summer that may lead to a stricter ozone standard in 2008 that will have a devastating impact of more than $100 billion on America’s industrial economy.

The new plan could replace the current national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone (smog) – which has yet to be fully implemented – with a much more stringent and costly standard.  If a stricter ozone standard takes effect in March 2008, as scheduled, manufacturers located in “non-attainment” areas can expect significantly more draconian controls imposed by local, state and federal regulators.  The EPA shows that, under the current standard, approximately 391 are in “non-attainment.”  That number could jump to 1243 counties should the EPA’s most stringent option take effect.

In a scenario only possible in Washington, the EPA is forbidden from considering a regulation’s economic impact when setting or revising NAAQS standards.  Fortunately, the arguments against new standards are scientific as well as economic.  The simple fact is that the current standard is working. 

Between 1980 and 2006, the national average for ozone levels decreased by 21 percent.  Under the current rules, emissions from power plants will be cut in half by 2015; emissions from cars and trucks will be reduced by more than 70 percent by 2030.  The current standard continues to protect human health.  The EPA should focus on helping communities meet the current standard before imposing new, untested standard.

The NAM is leading the charge to convince the EPA and the Bush Administration to leave the existing standard – which science shows is working – in place rather than risk crippling the economy on an untested new standard. 

Below you will find more information on the new ozone plan as well as information on which areas of the country are most affected. For more information please contact the NAM’s Bryan Brendle, bbrendle@nam.org, (202) 637-3176. 

Senate Outreach Resources

NAM Resources for State Ozone Outreach

Ozone Economic Impacts Report -- Atlanta

New Ozone Standard Could Cost Additional $10-$22 Billion Annually by 2010

Annapolis Center Study Shows Flawed Science Underlies EPA's Ozone Recommendations

NAM Manufact on Ozone

Ozone Regulation Timeline

NAM’s Statement on Support of Current Ozone Standard

Proposed Ozone Standards Factsheet

EPA’s Proposed Ozone Rule

National Map Overview: Impact from the Regulation (PDF)

NAM President John Engler's Message on Ozone Regulation

For More Information Visit the NAM Ozone Policy Page 

In a scenario only possible in Washington, EPA is forbidden from considering a regulation’s economic (cost) impact when setting or revising NAAQS standards.  Fortunately, the arguments against new standards are scientific as well as economic.  The current standard is working.  Between 1980 and 2006, the national average for ozone levels decreased by 21 percent.  Under the current rules, emissions from power plants will be cut in half by 2015; emissions from cars and trucks will be reduced by more than 70 percent by 2030.  The current standard continues to protect human health.  EPA should focus on helping communities meet the current standard before imposing new standards.