On December 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its decision to retain, without changes, the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the Obama-Biden Administration.

“For only the second time in the agency's history, EPA is fulfilling its statutory obligation to complete NAAQS review for ozone within a five-year time frame,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our actions today show the Trump Administration is fulfilling its promise of protecting human health and environment for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Southcentral PA Republican Congressman Scott Perry signed a statement by other members of Congress supporting the decision.

“With air continuing to get cleaner as states implement existing standards, this measure strikes the right balance between protecting public health while supporting recovering communities... We commend EPA for [retaining] existing ozone standards. This proposal supports local communities now fighting to get back on their feet, while continuing to drive improved air quality under existing programs. It is backed by both EPA and its outside scientific advisors."

Click Here for the complete announcement and other background.

NewsClips:

-- DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Monday, Dec. 21 For Southcentral, Lehigh Valley-Berks and Southeastern PA

-- DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Sunday, Dec. 20 For Lehigh Valley, Southcentral PA

-- DEP Issues Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Warning For Saturday, Dec. 19 For Clairton, Allegheny County

[Posted: December 24, 2020]

12/28/2020