Sec. 2. Findings
193 words·~1 min read·
/bill/114/hr/4000/ih/section-2A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Congress finds the following: Ozone precursor emissions have been reduced by over 50 percent since 1980, resulting in a 33-percent improvement of ozone air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency projects this improvement will continue even under rules and programs already in place. States are just beginning to implement the 2008 ozone standards, for which the Environmental Protection Agency published State implementation plan requirements on February 13, 2015. Notwithstanding this delayed implementation of the 2008 ozone standards, the Environmental Protection Agency published the 2015 ozone standards on October 26, 2015.
With publication of the 2015 ozone standards so early in the implementation of the 2008 ozone standards, States face the prospect of simultaneously implementing two national ambient air quality standards for ozone. In addition, counties face severe statutorily imposed consequences if designated as nonattainment or for failing to meet attainment deadlines, even if those counties would ultimately achieve attainment with no further action. If the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards implementation schedules are not harmonized, already strained State resources will be burdened by overlapping implementation schedules, and counties that are projected to achieve necessary air quality improvements will face significant and permanent sanctions.