EPA Looks for Early Help in Reducing Smog

July 12, 2001

EarthVision Environmental News

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2001 - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is

looking for help from state, local, and tribal governments in the early

reduction of ground-level ozone, more commonly known as smog. To get this

job done, EPA has published its " Ozone Flex " guidelines, which provide ways

for communities to make the reductions in cost-effective, flexible ways.

Ground-level ozone, which is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power

plants, and other industrial sources react chemically in the presence of

sunlight, have been linked to increases in the severity of asthma attacks

and other respiratory health problems, especially for children and the

elderly. EPA said it is publishing the Ozone Flex guidelines to get

communities to institute programs that will achieve cleaner air sooner.

The federal agency points out that participation in the program is

voluntary, and only areas currently meeting the 1-hour standard are eligible

to take part. There are several incentives for governments to participate

and communities are afforded the flexibility to institute their own approach

in maintaining clean air and providing public health protection. EPA expects

that participants will receive positive public reaction for voluntarily

addressing air pollution problems before federal requirements kick in.

To get the program rolling, state, tribal and local governments, and EPA

will develop and sign a memorandum of agreement describing the local control

measures to be voluntarily implemented in advance of possible air quality

violations. In the agreement, the governments commit to preparing emission

inventories, and conducting air quality modeling and monitoring, if

necessary, to support their selection of emission controls.

For more information, the guidelines are available at:

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg under " What's New. " Look for " Ozone Flex

Program " and " Ozone Flex Guidelines. "

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