API urges EPA and Congress to avoid costly, duplicative and flawed ozone rules

WASHINGTON, January 12, 2017 – API recommended that the EPA use the full scope of its authority under the Clean Air Act to complete implementation of the 2008 ozone standards without saddling states and regulated entities with duplicative and costly new attainment requirements, during testimony at today’s EPA Public Hearing on the 2015 Ozone Implementation Proposal.

“Dramatic improvement in air quality has continued as current air quality controls are still being implemented,” said API Senior Director for Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman. “EPA and Congress should provide relief to states, tribes, businesses and consumers from unnecessary and potentially costly obligations when existing ozone rules are already achieving success.”

Ground level ozone in the U.S. declined by 17 percent between 2000 and 2015, according to EPA data. In the Fact Sheet released with the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Rule, EPA stated that agency analyses show the vast majority of U.S. counties will meet the standards by 2025 just with federal and state rules and programs already in place or underway prior to the proposed 2015 NAAQS rule.  

“Clearly the states, tribes and businesses are making progress while implementing the existing ozone standards, which are protecting public health,” said Feldman. “The United States has dramatically reduced emissions even as energy production and economic activity continue to grow. API looks forward to working with EPA and Congress to provide relief from unproductive add-on requirements that could limit our ability to meet the nation’s energy needs.” 
  
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.