U.S. Chamber Issues Statement on EPA’s Decision to Delay Release of New Ozone Standards

WASHINGTON D.C.— Bill Kovacs, senior vice president of Environment, Technology, and Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement today on the EPA’s decision to postpone the release of new ozone standards:

“We hope that today’s decision by the EPA is a sign that the administration recognizes the severe economic consequences that would undoubtedly come from this voluntary reconsideration of the ozone standards. It just doesn’t make any sense to put rules like this in place now when America’s economic recovery remains fragile.
“Implementing these new standards would start a domino effect for the vast majority of counties across the country that would become non-compliant. The rule would lead to another slew of regulations that would force cities to take highly expensive steps to comply, killing jobs and economic growth. If today’s decision is an indication that the administration is taking a harder look at the likely effects of these new ozone standards then we are very pleased with this delay.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.