Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to review ozone pollution standards every five years to determine, based on the most up-to-date science, whether the standards are still stringent enough.

Ozone, also known as smog, is a dangerous air pollutant that harms communities across the Midwest. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, and can exacerbate asthma symptoms. It can also increase the risk of respiratory infections. When ozone and other pollutants are present at the same time, the effects of these pollutants can multiply each other.

Despite scientific evidence of ozone’s harmful effects, Trump’s EPA determined that the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone pollution is still adequately protective at 70 ppb (parts per billion). That is not acceptable.   

Back in 2015, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), a panel of appointed advisors who provide recommendations during EPA’s review, thought that a standard of 70 ppb “provides little margin of safety” and recommended setting the standard as low as 60 ppb.

A few weeks ago, I testified before the EPA opposing Administrator Wheeler’s decision not to strengthen these ozone pollution standards. Now we need you to join us. Tell the EPA to do its job and follow the science to set stronger ozone pollution standards to protect public health. 

Thank you for your support. 


Ann Jaworski
Staff Attorney
Environmental Law & Policy Center