EPA has published its first draft Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for public review and comment.  The ISA is available online.   (more…)

One of the most pressing issues facing EPA in the review of the air quality standards for particulate matter (PM) is the need to strengthen the annual average standard for fine particles. (more…)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final science assessment for sulfur dioxide (SO2) which suggests that a short-term standard will be needed to protect public health. (more…)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is embarking on a new review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone.  The Agency will hold a public kickoff workshop on October 29 - 30, 2008 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina to discuss science and science policy issues relevant to the ozone NAAQS review. (more…)

The current standard for nitrogen dioxide — an annual average standard — was set in 1971 and has not been revised since then.  In the past 35 plus years there has been a great deal of evidence pointing to the need for a short-term standard.  (more…)

The current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide were set in 1971 based on a Criteria Document published in 1969 by the Department of Health Education and Welfare. The scientific articles considered in the original Criteria Document predate 1968. In 1971, the newly established EPA set the first primary sulfur dioxide NAAQS: an annual average standard of 0.03 ppm (80 µg/m3); and a 24-hour standard of 0.14 ppm (365 µg/m3). The current standards are based on 40 plus year old science. (more…)

On October 16, 2007, EPA issued a draft Integrated Review Plan for the next periodic review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter.  The draft plan is subject to review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and by the public.  (more…)

In anticipation of the upcoming five-year review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM), the U.S. EPA has appointed several new members to the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and a number of additional consulting members to serve on the PM review panel.  (more…)

A number of leading public health organizations including Physicians for Social Responsibiity, the American Heart Association, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the American Nurses Association, the American Lung Association, and others have filed comments with EPA in support of stringent new air quality standards for ozone smog.   

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A long parade of witnesses spoke in support of tighter ozone air quality standards at EPA public hearings in Philadelphia and Los Angeles on August 30, 2007.  Some of the more interesting statements are posted below.

Additional public hearings will be held in Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta on September 5, 2007.  To sign up to speak at the public hearings, go to: 

http://epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/naaqsrev2007.html 

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