White House Finalizes Review of EPA Rule to Implement 2008 Ozone Standards

Clearing the Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 30th, a final rule to help states implement the 2008 national ambient air quality standards for zone, set at 75 parts per billion, is expected to be published shortly. It is expected that this rule will address requirements for states in charge of implementing this new ozone standard, including permitting in nonattainment areas as well as demonstration requirements for attainment. This rule will be finalized seven years after the ozone standards were revised in March 2008. Business groups have been urging the US EPA to allow states and businesses more time to implement this current standard before revising and setting a more stringent ozone standard. The agency has already proposed to set a more stringent ozone standard to somewhere between 65 and 70 parts per billion.