From the EPA:

[johnaries]

Obama halted the new EPA regulations on Ozone levels because they are set to be revised by 2013 and would cost 19 to 90 billion dollars. What is the National Trend on Ozone levels under the old rules:

National Trends in Ozone Levels

Using a nationwide network of monitoring sites, EPA has developed ambient air quality trends for ozone. Trends are shown here for the 8-hour ozone standards. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets and reviews national air quality standards for ozone. Air quality monitors measure concentrations of ozone throughout the country. EPA, state, tribal and local agencies use that data to ensure that ozone is at levels that protect public health and the environment. Nationally, average ozone levels declined in the 1980's, leveled off in the 1990's, and showed a notable decline after 2002.

(emphasis added)

Chart at link:

http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/ozone.html

[Drale]

1. Well at least there is some good news. /nt

[MineralMan]

2. The chart definitely shows a decline. Thanks for the link.

If those standards are already set to be revisited in 2013, and levels are in decline at the present, then I see no problem with waiting for the 2013 review.

It's good to see them declining, which I know they have done considerably from the 1960s, when ozone levels in Southern CA were just horrible. We've made some progress.

Perhaps we've jumped the gun on condemning President Obama for not changing standards this year. Perhaps the decline will continue and we can change the standards on the schedule in 2013.

Declining ozone levels are a good thing.

[kestrel91316]

3. I expect in 2013 that Obama or the new Repig president will ask to

EPA to remove ALL standards, allowing unlimited pollution of the air by ozone and everything else, because it just COSTS TOO MUCH to regulate them.

Color me THAT disillusioned.

[MineralMan]

4. I doubt that very much.

Good luck with that pessimism.

[kestrel91316]

6. Politicians of ALL stripes never seem to disappoint me in my sad

predictions of late.

[johnaries]

5. I agree.