Flake Applauds EPA Decision Giving AZ Relief from Flawed Ozone Rule

Statement

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to give Arizona temporary relief from the previous administration's 2015 ozone mandate.

EPA announced that Arizona, a state that has made significant progress toward reducing ozone levels in recent years, will be given one additional year to implement plans aimed at complying with the unreasonably stringent rule. The 2015 ozone rule carries an annual nationwide cost $1.4 billion, according to EPA's own estimates.

"It's great to see the EPA working with Arizonans for a change. Nowhere are the flaws of previous administration's one-size-fits-all approach to regulating ozone more evident than in Arizona, a desert state where naturally-occurring ozone makes it impossible to meet the new federal mandate. While today's move buys Arizona much-needed time, I remain committed to advancing a solution that will provide permanent relief from this egregious and unworkable rule." said Flake. "I'd especially like to thank EPA Administrator Pruitt for listening to local stakeholders and recognizing Arizona's already successful efforts to significantly reduce ozone level in recent years."

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