On August 26, President Obama rejected an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to strengthen ground level ozone standards as currently defined within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA's proposal, supported by an independent scientific review panel, would have raised the standard from 70 parts per billion to 60 parts per billion averaged over an 8-hour period.
Previously, the Obama Administration had vowed to raise this standard that was previously reviewed by the Administration of President George W. Bush.
Why Ground Level Ozone (Smog) is an Important Public Health Issue
According to the EPA, ground level ozone, or smog, can contribute to the following respiratory challenges:
- aggravation of existing asthmatic conditions
- irritation of the lungs
- reduction of lung function
- inflammation of the lining of the lungs
The American Lung Association believes that smog contributes to negative health outcomes for millions of Americans. Sources of smog include vehicular emissions, power plants, refineries, and other industrial sources.
Obama Falls Victim to the Jobs vs. Environment Dilemma: Jobs Considered in this Case
According to the League of Conservation Voters, Obama rejected the EPA smog proposal out of concerns that it would be too much of a burden to industry. According to the Associated Press, the regulation could have cost businesses anywhere between $19-$90 billion dollars. This revelation, paired with the recent public concerns over job creation in a languishing economy, pressured the President to back down from his promise to tighten regulations.
Often the economic costs of environmental regulations on industry have to be weighed against the often hidden costs of public health hazards (costs of emergency room visits, cost of days missed from school or work etc). The Obama Administration, supported by Republican lawmakers concerned about the rule's impact on job creation and regulatory costs, succumbed to economic pressures.
Public Health Advocates Pressure the Administration to Re-visit Smog Rule
In an August 3, 2011 letter, several public health and medical organizations urged the Obama Administration to act on revising the regulations. The Administration was past its latest deadline for revisions. Two years ago, the administration had pledged to create a new smog standard based on compelling scientific evidence. Since this recent set-back, advocates for more stringent regulations have criticized President Obama for turning its back on a health-based standard. This standard was recommended by an independent scientific review panel and the EPA as being the best measure to protect public health.
Public health advocates feel that reducing ground level ozone will save 12,000 lives a year. The Obama Administration has stated that it will re-visit this issue, but has not been clear as to when that will happen.
Gia Grier McGinnis - Gia Grier McGinnis is a Baltimore, Maryland native and currently serves as the an Assistant Director of a university community engagement ...
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