Vote Explanation for H.R. 806 — Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017

Los Angeles has been experiencing its worst smog in years

While much of the media and general public’s attention has appropriately been focused on the Senate Republicans’ failed efforts to take health care away from millions of Americans through the repeal the Affordable Care Act, House Republicans brought legislation to the floor this week that would endanger our public health in another way — by rolling back important air quality protections.

That is why I voted against H.R. 806, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017, which would delay the implementation of the EPA’s latest standards for ground-level emissions until 2025. Ground-level ozone is the primary component of smog, and is emitted by industrial and electric facilities, cars, and chemical solvents.

Under the Clean Air Act, the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to issue National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health from harmful concentrations of pollution.The EPA works with states to implement the limits set in NAAQS, establishing areas as being in attainment or nonattainment, and setting compliance timelines for reducing emissions of specific pollutants, including ozone, lead, and carbon monoxide.

On October 1, 2015, the EPA promulgated a new rule strengthening the NAAQs for ground-level ozone based on an extensive scientific review of the harmful effects of ozone. H.R. 806 would block the EPA from requiring states to designate attainment and nonattainment areas until 2025, and prevent the EPA from subjecting states to penalties for not meeting the ozone standards.

This legislation is dangerous for the public health of the American people, and is compounded by the fact that the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans continue to push for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. We must be doing more to ensure that all Americans have clean air to breathe, and this bill does the exact opposite.

)

Written by

Representing Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade