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• Oh My Ozone: New Standards, Big Changes
• CEMEX Pollution Permit Challenged
• What Else is New(s)?

Oh My Ozone: New Standards, Big Changes

On March 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strengthened national standards to safeguard public health from ground-level ozone, but fell short of adopting the recommendations of its own scientists. It's a halfway good decision, but when it comes to human health, halfway doesn't cut it.

Ozone is a corrosive gas that forms when pollutants from smokestacks, tailpipes, and oil and gas drilling react with sunlight.  Every year, ozone is linked to thousands of asthma attacks, millions of missed work and school days, and even premature deaths. Children, seniors, those with asthma and other respiratory conditions, and even active adults are most at risk from ozone. As the Denver Post stated, reducing ozone is worth the health benefits.

The bright side of the EPA's decision is that ozone standards have been ratcheted down. Previously, ozone was limited to no more than 80 parts per billion over an eight hour period. Now, the standard is 75 parts per billion. That's a big change.

And that's good news for those of us in the Rockies. With stronger standards, clean up efforts are likely to get underway in western Colorado, New Mexico, and even Wyoming, all places that are enduring rising ozone pollution.

Finally, we want to especially thank U.S. Representative Diana DeGette for taking a stand in support of our health. In publicly criticizing the EPA for not adopting the ozone standards recommended by scientists, she has led the charge for clean air in the Rocky Mountain region. Please take a second to send her a quick note thanking her for her leadership and her support for clean air and public health.


CEMEX Pollution Permit Challenged

Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action has taken aim at the air pollution permit for CEMEX's Lyons cement plant. Pointing to the failure of the cement plant to use up-to-date pollution controls, we've called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to overturn their permit.

It's our latest effort to keep our air and our health safe from the CEMEX cement plant. For years, the cement plat has operated illegally, putting local communities and even nearby Rocky Mountain National Park at risk. We're keeping up the pressure to clean up this cement plant once and for all.


What Else is New(s)?


• But Wait, There's More
• Denver Post: EPA in Denial
• Letter: Oil and Gas Needs to Shape Up
• Profiles in...Cowardice?
  



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