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Air Quality

Ozone and Particulate Matter

June 2007

Ground-level ozone (smog) is formed when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from motor vehicles, power plants and refineries “cook” in the sun.  This form of pollution has numerous adverse health effects, including lung disease and aggravated asthma, especially among children and the elderly.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new ozone standard to protect public health, and has designated 474 counties in 31 states as violating the standard.  States will have to submit plans to EPA with strategies to achieve the standard.  NCSL’s 8-Hour Ozone Standard Fact Sheet describes the problem, the new federal standard and state policy options.

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Particulate matter (soot) is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquids from diesel engine emissions, wood burning and other industrial combustion sources that are suspended in the air.  Like ozone, the health effects include increased respiratory and cardiovascular risks, especially for children and older adults.  EPA has issued a new standard to regulate fine particulate matter and has designated nonattainment areas. NCSL’s PM2.5 Designation Fact Sheet discusses the problem, the new federal standard and what might be expected of states to comply.

PM_2.5 Designation Fact Sheet

Current News

• EPA is expected to announce proposal for stricter ozone standards, Washington Post, June 21, 2007
• EPA Finalizes Fine Particle Rule
• EPA Ozone Rule Violates Clean Air Act
• EPA Issues New Ozone Recommendations

Presentations

• EPA's Revised Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards, presentation by Jeffrey Clark, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NCSL Annual Meeting, July 2004.
• New Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards, presentation by Larry Volmert, Holland & Hart, NCSL Annual Meeting, July 2004.
• Colorado's Ozone Early Action Compact, presentation by Howard Roitman, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, NCSL Annual Meeting, July 2004.

 Air Quality page

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