Boustany Says New EPA Ozone Standard "Devastating" for Louisiana

Statement

Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) regulating ozone levels, lowering the standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. The EPA had been evaluating whether to lower the standard to within a range of 60-70 ppb.

Boustany joined Senators David Vitter (R-Louisiana) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-Louisiana) in Lake Charles last year for a field hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the standard. Industry leaders testified that the proposed 60 ppb standard would put all of Louisiana in nonattainment status, costing the state millions in economic activity and thousands in job losses. The EPA estimates the 70 ppb level will cost businesses nationwide approximately $3.9 billion over the next decade.

Boustany said: "The EPA's revised ozone standard will be devastating for Louisiana's industrial community and for the workers it employs. Louisiana is a working state, and we have developed a model of sustainable growth that respects the environment while giving industry the flexibility to grow and succeed. I will work with my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation to do whatever we can to block this misguided rule and protect Louisiana jobs."

Source