The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced it is proposing to reduce the national ambient air quality standard for ozone pollution from 75 parts per million (ppm) to 70 ppm.  Click Here for the formal announcement.

In a letter to EPA in March, the Pennsylvania DEP offered its support for an ozone standard at or below 70 ppm, while at the same time saying a reduction in the standard to that level would cause “significant” challenges in meeting the new standard.

DEP said if the new standard were in effect now, eight Pennsylvania counties would be in nonattainment--  Allegheny (73 ppb); Armstrong (72 ppb); Bucks (75 ppb); Delaware (72 ppb); Indiana (71 ppb); Lebanon (71 ppb); Montgomery (71 ppb); and Philadelphia (73).

NewsClips:

EPA’s New Ozone Limits Upsets Both Sides

EPA Announces Lower Standard For Ozone

EPA’s New Ozone Standard Not Tough Enough For Some

Unlikely Help In Battle Against Smog Rules: Black Businesses

New EPA Ozone Regulations Remain Divisive

Federal Court Rules PA Haze Pollution Control Plan Inadequate

Green Ridge Odor Impact Cost Hotel, Others Thousands

EPA Sets Stricter Emission Standards For Oil Refineries

10/5/2015