The Biden administration has decided to restart the evaluation of the nation’s smog pollution standards, a move that environmentalists find unnecessary and as a delay. In a letter dated Friday to a panel of science advisors, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan stated that the agency will review regulations for ground-level ozone, a prominent component of smog. The decision to start over was announced in a press release on Monday, in accordance with the agency’s previous commitment in 2021 to review the Trump administration’s decision not to update smog pollution regulations.
Regan expressed his conviction in conducting a thorough and transparent assessment of the latest scientific research, following careful consideration of the advice from the independent scientific panel. However, environmentalists view this decision as a needless delay that may lead to an increase in people being exposed to harmful pollution.
Raúl García, vice president of policy and legislation at Earthjustice, expressed disappointment in the delay, emphasizing the potential health consequences that may arise from the postponed decision. He questioned the number of deaths, asthma attacks, and heart conditions that could occur during this extended timeframe.
The smog pollution standards play a vital role in determining the safe levels of ground-level ozone. These standards inform state actions to reduce pollution and are crucial in preventing health issues associated with exposure to ozone and smog.
Exposure to such pollution can worsen lung conditions, including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, and increase the frequency of asthma attacks. The United Nations has also linked smog pollution to premature deaths.
The EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) recently reported that the current primary standard for ozone is not adequately protective of public health, with the exception of one adviser. Regan, in his letter, emphasized the need to thoroughly review scientific evidence and cited the advisers’ concerns with the agency’s draft policy assessment.
Regan acknowledged the issues raised by CASAC, stating that additional evaluation and review are necessary due to new information that has not yet been integrated into the air quality criteria.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to restart the evaluation of smog pollution standards has been met with criticism from environmentalists who consider it an unnecessary delay. The evaluation of these standards is vital for safeguarding public health and reducing the harmful effects of ground-level ozone.
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