Medical groups to Obama: Finalize smog rule ‘immediately’

A host of medical and public health associations are pressing the White House to quickly complete delayed rules that tighten Bush-era smog standards.

Their letter to President Obama Wednesday seeks to counter major industry and business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, that are lobbying to scuttle the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone rule.

“The ozone health standard must protect those who are most vulnerable from the dangerous health impacts of ozone, including infants, children, older adults, and those with chronic diseases. To safeguard the health of the American people, help to save lives, and reduce health care spending, we support the most protective standard under consideration: 60 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over eight hours,” the letter states.

It is from 14 groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and the American College of Preventive Medicine.

EPA had planned to issue the final standards late last month after several delays but again held back as White House review continues.

EPA is considering a standard between 60 and 70 parts per billion.

“Setting a health-based ozone standard based on the science is long overdue. We urge you to act today and set a new ozone standard to protect public health,” the letter states. 

Business groups call the planned rules a costly overreach that will hurt the economy and job growth.