On February 10th, the EPA announced that it would extend the public comment period on its proposed air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter.  The new deadline is March 12th.

These proposed standards are extremely controversial.  Industry groups have attacked the proposals on the basis that the science used to develop the standards was flawed.  Health groups, such as the American Lung Association, are suing the EPA to propose more stringent standards.

Ozone is smog-forming pollution, caused by a number of compounds including volatile organic compounds.  While PWB shops are not a major source of ozone, they are considered a major source of valatile organic compounds, which are ozone precursors.  Sources, that are defined as "major" in ozone nonattainment areas must install more stringent control technology to attain the more stringent standards.  As a result, a tightening of the ozone standard will force more localities into nonattainment -- putting more pressure on regulated entities in those areas (e.g., PWB shops) to comply with the more stringent standards.

IPC will submit comment on behalf of the industry on these two rules.  If you would like to provide information, please e-mail comments to me at [log in to unmask]

Holly Lynch
Director of EHS Programs, IPC

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