Fact Sheet and Talking Points on EPA NO2 Proposal
For the first time in over 35 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the national air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) a widespread, noxious air pollutant. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) define what constitutes air that is safe to breathe and drive air pollution cleanup programs. EPA has proposed adding a new one-hour standard to the existing annual standard. EPA also has proposed establishing a roadside monitoring network to track expected higher levels of NO2 along major highways.
Recent research shows that the current annual average standard set in 1971 fails to protect the health of children, older adults and people with asthma and of people who live and work near major highways. EPA will accept public comments on the proposal until September 14, 2009, and will hold public hearings on August 3, 2009 in Arlington, VA and August 6, 2009 in Los Angeles. EPA is under a court order to issue final standards by January 22, 2010.
Attached are a fact sheet on the proposal with information on how to file public comments, as well as talking points for the public hearings.
