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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation today, supported by Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), to provide states more time and flexibility to implement ozone and air quality requirements. H.R. 4775, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act, does not change the requirements of the EPA’s 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), but would make commonsense adjustments to implementation that would allow for a more efficient process and remove practical challenges faced by state regulators. Congressman Latta is an original cosponsor of the legislation.
 
“Giving Ohio and other states more time and flexibility to meet ozone requirements will protect innovation in the energy, manufacturing, and chemical sectors while still ensuring that clean air standards are met," said Latta. “H.R. 4775 streamlines the implementation process and removes challenges for state regulators that ultimately are expensive, burdensome, and harmful to job creators. Making these commonsense fixes will lower regulatory costs and help grow our economy."

Congressman Latta spoke on the floor in favor of the legislation. Video is available here.

The Ozone Standards Implementation Act allows for more time to phase in the implementation of the 2015 NAAQS standards by extending the date for final designations to 2025. The bill also reforms the NAAQS process by requiring the EPA to issue timely implementation guidance and changes the mandatory review of NAAQS from five to ten years.

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