States await word on new air pollution rules

EPA may tighten smog cutting requirements to protect millions of people

WASHINGTON – States and local officials across the country awaited word Wednesday on whether they will have to further cut air pollution to protect millions of people, especially the very young and the elderly, from respiratory illnesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to announce whether it will tighten the federal health standard for ozone, commonly known as smog, and leave several hundred additional counties falling short of what the federal government considers healthy air.


The EPA last year said it was considering lowering the standard from 80 parts per billion of ozone per unit of air to between 70 and 75 parts per billion. In recent weeks a broad range of industry groups have lobbying the EPA and the White House to keep the current standard despite warnings from most health experts that it does not adequately protect public health.

The EPA scheduled a news conference to announce its plans. The agency is under court order to come up with a smog ruling by March 13.

AP