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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 1996
96-150
CONTACT:
Larry Altose, Outreach Specialist, (206) 649-7192
Stu Clark, Policy Analyst, (360) 407-6873
Statement on Proposed New Clean Air Standards
Joseph Williams, Manager, Air Quality Program
Olympia, WA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new health standards for ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter in outdoor air. Studies over the past decade provide compelling evidence that adverse human health effects occur at levels below current national air quality standards. EPA's proposed action reflects its mandate under the federal clean air act to set health-based outdoor air quality standards that provide "an adequate margin of safety" for the public. EPA's proposal opens a 60-day public comment period. EPA will issue its final ruling by June 29, 1997.
Air pollution levels have been declining in all parts of the state. In most areas, pollution levels are within the current national air quality standards. While it is too early to predict what EPA's proposed standards, if adopted, would mean for Washington, our efforts to date have improved the quality of the air we breathe throughout the state. This progress is important even if part of Washington does not meet the new standard; that area would still be closer to the new clean air goal than it otherwise would have been. For areas that meet air quality standards, Ecology sees a need to remain vigilant as our communities grow.
Depending on EPA's final decision, and where you live in Washington, effects on citizens, government or businesses could range from none to significant. Over the next several years , EPA will determine whether areas of Washington fail to meet the new standards. To gain an idea of how parts of Washington might perform under the proposed new standard, Ecology is reviewing air pollution data from the last three years. But, past air quality levels may not reflect the future.
For ozone, Ecology has the data needed to show how the new standards affect the state, because the method of measuring that pollutant will not change. Ecology is comparing recent ozone monitoring data with the new standard.
Particulate matter is a different story. EPA's proposal creates a new class of smaller airborne particles. The present particulate monitoring system is different from what would be used to measure for the proposed new standard. Any assessment today of how the proposed new particulate standard would affect the state could only be based on rough estimates. It will take at least two years to establish the monitoring system needed to provide firm statewide data under the new standard.
After the new standards are adopted in June, and once the state's air quality status under them is understood, Ecology will carefully consider whether regulatory changes are needed to meet clean air goals. While only health may be considered in setting the standards themselves, other factors, such as cost, may be weighed in deciding how to implement the standards. Ecology encourages public involvement whenever it considers changes to air quality rules or plans. Input will be sought from the general public and the business, environmental and health communities.
Ecology will review the EPA proposals, discuss them with interested parties and provide comments to EPA. We encourage others to do so as well.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
