EPA Seeks Overhaul Of Ozone NAAQS

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued a memorandum on May 9^th that directs the agency's staff to begin a five-year review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone. The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to periodically review the NAAQS, including both primary and secondary standards, for criteria air pollutants such as ozone to ensure these standards reflect the best, current scientific information while protecting public health and the environment. The review initiated by the memorandum fits within this statutory process, but Administrator Pruitt has set out five guiding principles for EPA to follow in reviewing the NAAQS:

1. Meet statutory deadlines;
2. Address all CAA provisions for NAAQS reviews;