EPA Proposes Tougher Smog Limits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Proposal to strengthen federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) for the first time in 10 years. According to the EPA Press Release, "[o]zone can harm people's lungs and EPA is particularly concerned about individuals with asthma or other lung diseases, as well as those who spend a lot of time outside, such as children. Ozone exposure can aggravate asthma, resulting in increased medication use and emergency room visits, and it can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections." Main sources of ozone include industrial facilities, electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents.

• Read the EPA Proposal and Press Release
• State Vehicle Emissions Standards and Testing (FindLaw)
• Washington Post: Critics Question EPA's Tighter Ozone Limits
• EPA Topics: Air Pollution