Web Extras
Clean School Bus Related Articles EPA Announces Upcoming Public Hearings on Smog Standards
| EPA Announces Upcoming Public Hearings on Smog Standards |
 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 29 January 2010 12:26 |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold three public hearings next month on a proposal to strengthen the nation’s air quality standards for ground-level ozone. Earlier this month, the EPA released a new rule on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, or smog, that is linked to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, especially in children. Scientific research has shown that exposure to NO2 ranging from only 30 minutes to 24 hours can increase adverse respiratory effects in those with both healthy and unhealthy lungs. The EPA is proposing to set the primary standard of NO2 emissions at a level between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million measured over eight hours to improve the quality of public health. EPA is also proposing to set a separate, seasonal secondary standard to protect the environment, especially for plants and trees. EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 22, 2010. Next month's public hearings are scheduled for Arlington, Va., and Houston on Feb. 2 and Sacramento, Calif., on Feb. 4. They will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m. local time, or later if necessary. Interested parties may register beforehand to speak at the hearings This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (919) 541-5688. Registration will be accepted the day of, but those attendees may not be given a specific time slot to speak.Feb. 2: Houston Feb. 4:
|