Sen. Voinovich Statement On EPA Ozone Standard Decision

Statement

Today U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich released the following statement concerning the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to tighten the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone:

"I am disappointed with EPA's decision to move forward with more restrictive ozone standards. Ohio communities are making great air quality progress towards compliance with the current standards. Now, with EPA moving the goal post without giving nonattainment areas sufficient time to comply, these areas will likely remain in noncompliance for the foreseeable future -- further impacting their ability to attract and retain jobs.

"The standards at the lower end of the range the agency is now considering would significantly increase the number of non-attainment counties across the United States. Ohio could see as many as 48 counties designated as nonattainment. At a time when our nation is facing record unemployment levels, EPA should not be considering new mandates that will further hamper our ability to retain and expand jobs -- particularly when the existing standards have not yet been met.

"The nation's air quality has been steadily improving, with measured ambient concentrations of ozone dropping 25 percent since 1980. This is while Gross Domestic Product, vehicle miles traveled, energy consumption and population have all increased substantially. These air quality gains are impressive and we want continued improvement. As a matter of policy, the administration should weigh additional gains against the overall costs to our already struggling communities."

Sen. Voinovich has been at the forefront of the debate on clean air, climate change and strategies for protecting our environment without harming the economy. His lead role in these debates has helped save hundreds of thousands of Ohio jobs and protected Ohio seniors and working families from sky-rocketing natural gas, electricity and gasoline costs.

Source