Lawsuits Challenge EPA Ozone Rules From Both Sides

In October, the EPA tightened the standards for ozone limits from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion. This month the agency was sued by a coalition of environmental and public health groups that maintains the limits are too weak and will result in measurable health problems for people who live in high-smog areas. Kids, seniors and asthmatics will be at especially high risk, says an attorney representing the coalition. The Hill also reports that on the same day that suit was filed, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers also went to court, arguing the new limits are too stringent. NAM’s general counsel called the new standard “unworkable and overly burdensome” and said it would compromise the ability of U.S. manufactures to compete globally. The Hill notes that both sides also sued when the EPA tightened ozone standards in 2008, and both failed.