Early last month, the EPA issued its final rule for ground-level ozone pollution, setting the standard at 70 parts per billion. Long expected after being talked about late last year, the 70 ppb limit, down 5ppb from its current standard, the new rule was tepid to many in the environmental and public health communities who had pushed to get the limit dropped further.
For its part, industrial groups from manufacturing to petroleum, who will bear the brunt of the costs of such a change, are also disappointed saying the rule goes too far.
Regardless of whether it goes far enough, the rule change will mean big changes for San Antonio. The city has long been in attainment of the 75 ppb standard, but many argue that this is only on paper. The city, which is on many days through the summer out of the established air safety zones, will definitely have to make tough choices with the new lower standard.
Will emissions tests be coming to San Antonio soon?
Guests:
- Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio CityCouncil Member for District 8, and 2015 Chairman of the Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee.
- Paul Billings, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Education at the American Lung Association
