In response to EPA’s new memo to reform the National Ambient Air Quality Standards Review Process, Dan Byers, vice president of policy at the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute, issued the following statement:
“EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) process has long been in need of improvement, so we’re pleased to see EPA take action to do just that. Today’s announcement signals a new approach focused on key statutory duties and regulatory flexibility, which should lead to a better process that won’t impede economic growth.
“We are particularly pleased to see EPA addressing practical challenges such as background concentrations and sources of pollution. State and local air agencies should not be unduly punished for background pollutants that are out of their control as they are in the current system. We look forward to working with EPA and key stakeholders to continue the progress we’ve made to improve our nation’s air quality.”