BELLEFONTE – U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) has joined a bipartisan group of federal, state and locally elected officials, in voicing their opposition to a proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which would result in increased compliance measures dealing with ozone.
As a result of the regulations, three counties in the Fifth Congressional District – Erie, Centre and Clearfield – would fall out of compliance with federal law, as reported by the Center for Regulatory Solutions (CRS).
“This is just another example of the EPA putting forth an unworkable proposal which is just not realistic,” Thompson said.
“I believe we have a duty to the health and prosperity of the communities across the Commonwealth, including the wellbeing of our children and those who have respiratory conditions; however, this lofty proposal is going to create more harm than good.”
The EPA’s proposal would lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ground-level ozone from 75 parts per billion (ppb) into the 65-70 ppb range.
Counties in violation of the tightened ozone standard will trigger an implementation procedure which would make local and state officials answer to the EPA for basic permitting and planning decisions.
As a result, the guidelines would threaten the state’s ability to open new manufacturing facilities, expand current businesses and invest in infrastructure projects such as new roadways.
The rules could also impact agriculture, through restrictions of animal feeding operations due to emissions from animal waste, along with limits on pesticide use.
“Pennsylvania ozone emissions have been in decline for several decades,” Thompson added. “With so many small and medium-sized businesses still working for recover from the economic downturn, now is the wrong time to change the rules.”
The view a copy of the CRS report, click here.
