EPA is extending by one year the deadline for promulgating initial area designations, for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
As part of the process to determine what areas of the country are able to meet the current air quality standards, states are currently submitting their proposals for area designations under the 70 parts per billion (ppb) standard, which was lowered from 75 ppb in 2015. Areas designated as being in "nonattainment" of the standard face consequences, including increased regulatory burdens, restrictions on infrastructure investment and increased costs to businesses.
EPA is giving states more time to develop air quality plans and is looking at providing greater flexibility to states as they develop their plans. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is establishing an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply with the ozone standard.
For more information, visit www.Epa.gov/ozone-designations or call (202) 564-4700.
