Giving us a Voice in Ozone Debate

Congresswoman Diana DeGette yesterday called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to give Denver and the west a voice on the agency's proposed ozone standards.

In a letter to the Administrator of the EPA, Representative DeGette called on the agency to hold a public hearing in Denver on the proposed ozone standards. So far, the EPA has held public hearings only in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, nowhere near Denver and the Rocky Mountain west.

Earlier this summer, the EPA proposed new health-based standards for ozone in our air. Recent health science shows that current standards are woefully inadequate. They limit ozone to no more than 80 parts per billion over an eight hour period, but EPA science advisors have recommended lowering it to 60 parts per billion. Sadly, the EPA has so far rejected this advice and is looking to adopt a standard of 70 parts per billion. The EPA is really only proposing to go halfway, but when it comes to our health, halfway doesn't cut it.

Whether the EPA adopts a 70 or 60 parts per billion standard, one thing is clear: the west is facing a health crisis. Rural and urban areas throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming regularly experience ozone levels higher than 60 parts per billion. It's crucial that the EPA adopt strong health standards to help us in the west clean up our skies.

Clearly those of us in the west and in Denver have something to say to the EPA; it's a shame the agency has seen fit to deny us a forum. Thankfully Congresswoman DeGette has stepped in. The EPA needs to listen.