January 2015

As part of its effort to collect public input on the proposed revision to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone, EPA has announced a series of three public hearings across the U.S. These public hearing will be held in:

Jan. 29: Arlington, Texas
9:00 am – 7:30 pm
Arlington City Hall
101 W. Abram Street
Arlington, Texas, 76010

Jan. 29: Washington
9:00 am – 7:30 pm
U.S. EPA
William Jefferson Clinton East building, Room 1153
1301 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

Feb. 2: Sacramento, Calif.
9:00 am – 7:30 pm
California Air Resources Board
Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

EPA is in the process of considering a more protective ozone standard to replace the current standard of 75 ppb/8-hour. EPA has proposed a more protective standard in the range of 65-70 ppb, but is accepting comments on standards as low as 60 ppb. The American Thoracic Society is recommending EPA adopt a final standard of 60 ppb.

ATS members who live near these cities are encouraged to participate in the public hearings and provide EPA with information on the health effect of ozone exposure and how it impacts patients with respiratory conditions. The public may register to speak at a specific time at a hearing by contacting Eloise Shepherd at 919-541-5507 or shepherd.eloise@epa.gov.