28 Jan Join us for an EPA Hearing on February 2nd!

A guest post from communications intern, Laura!

What are you doing February 2^nd? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be holding a public hearing in Houston to discuss a new proposal to strengthen the national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone (the main component of smog), and we need you there with us! 

The EPA’s proposal will lower the ozone standard from 0.075 parts per million (ppm) to between 0.060-0.070 ppm. This change will help clean up our air to protect public health, as well as sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.  

Breathing air containing ozone can reduce lung function, inflame airways, aggravate asthma, and increase chances of premature death from heart or lung diseases. Children are at a higher risk because their lungs are still developing, and they are typically more active outdoors—increasing exposure to ozone levels. 

Ozone can also have adverse effects on vegetation. During the growing season it can damage vegetation, leading to reduced tree growth, increased susceptibility to diseases, damage from insects and harsh weather.  

Even with the possible benefits from this change in emissions, there is still much opposition. The coal and oil industries are strongly opposed, as they will have to change their business practices. There are 17 coal plants currently in Texas, and 12 more are proposed; all of which will be profoundly affected by this change, and are against it. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Governor Rick Perry have even threatened to sue the EPA over this proposed ruling.  

Anyone who arrives at the Houston hearing before 7:00 p.m. will have an opportunity to speak and fill out comment cards. It is for this reason we need as much support as possible at this hearing for the proposal. Coal and oil companies will actually be paying their employees to come out and speak against it! We need you to help speak up for our children’s future, and for everyday citizens.

The press conference will start at 10:45am, and a rally at 7:00 pm, but the hearing itself may last well into the evening. It is to be held at the Houston Hilton: Hobby Airport in the Moody Ballroom.  

For more information, to post a comment, or to sign up for a speaking time go to:

Cleanairtexas.org

Please help spread the word!