WASHINGTON (June 15, 2017) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement after House Subcommittee on Environment approval of “H.R. 806, Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017,” sponsored by Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas).
“We commend Chairman Shimkus for holding today’s markup of H.R. 806, bipartisan legislation that updates and improves the implementation process for EPA ozone standards. The bill will help ensure that manufacturers who want to invest and hire in the U.S. can obtain regulatory permits in a timely and efficient manner. We urge swift passage by the House.
“Before manufacturing facilities can proceed with a new construction or expansion project, they must obtain regulatory approval. This is complicated when localities are forced to comply with two different ozone standards concurrently. EPA has failed to provide needed implementation rules and guidance in a timely manner, leaving facilities and state permitting agencies in limbo. The confusion and delays that result from EPA’s approach to setting and implementing ozone standards can put new investment and jobs at risk.
“The ‘Ozone Standards Implementation Act’ sets a ten-year cycle for national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) reviews, streamlines preconstruction permitting and extends the compliance date for the 2015 standards to 2025. While EPA recently granted an extension in nonattainment designations, states need more than one additional year to avoid the administrative burdens of overlapping requirements for the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards.”
A Senate companion, S. 263, was introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).