The Environmental Protection Agency lowered its ozone emission standards only marginally Wednesday, effectively ignoring its own scientific advisers who recommended more stringent standards.
Even with the less restrictive standards, Oklahoma, Tulsa and seven other state counties will be out of compliance.
The new standard for the amount of ozone, commonly known as smog, allowed in the air was established at .075 parts per million, down from the current .084 parts per million standard. EPA’s science advisers had unanimously recommended a standard between .060 and .070 parts per million.
“People don’t like to be mandated. That’s where the public feels impeded upon,” said Jerry Church, spokesman for the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. “On the flip side of that, I hope people will understand that air quality is a very important issue. And hopefully we can look at our daily habits and how we live our life. Perhaps buy a more fuel-efficient car. Everyone has a say in this.”
- an excerpt from a story by Devona Walker, The Oklahoman. Read the full story here.