Scientists Recommend Stricter Smog Standard

Scientists have unanimously recommended that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthen the health standard for smog, or ozone, in our air. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee has not only recommended that the EPA lower the ozone standard from 80 parts per billion to 70, averaged over an 8-hour period, but has even recommended that the EPA consider lowering the standard to as low as 55 parts per billion to fully protect human health.

This process has huge implications for the Denver metro area. Smog levels in Denver regularly exceed 55 parts per billion, raising serious questions over whether the health of communities is being protected. Although officially the standard is 80 parts per billion, it is important that we use this science to take action now to reduce smog below unhealthy levels.