WASHINGTON (February 3, 2017) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement in response to the reintroduction of the “Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016” in the House and Senate (H.R. 806, S. 263). The legislation was introduced by Reps. Pete Olson (R-Texas), Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Bill Flores (R-Texas) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.), along with Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).
“We welcome the reintroduction of the bipartisan ‘Ozone Standards Implementation Act,’ which will help ensure that manufacturers who want to invest in the U.S. are able to obtain regulatory permits in a timely, transparent and efficient manner. We commend the sponsors for their steadfast support of American manufacturing and job growth.
“New EPA ozone standards took effect on December 28, 2015. Manufacturing facilities must obtain a permit before they can proceed with a new construction or expansion project. Yet too often, EPA fails to provide the necessary implementation rules and guidance, leaving facilities and state permitting agencies in limbo. Such confusion and delays put U.S. investment and jobs at risk.
“The ‘Ozone Standards Implementation Act’ will help. It sets a ten-year interval for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reviews, phases in implementation of the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards and extends the compliance date for meeting the 2015 standards to 2025. These and other reforms will enable continued air quality improvement alongside U.S. manufacturing investment.”