API welcomes House discussion on improving ozone rules

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2017 – API welcomed the discussion before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment on the Ozone Standards Implementation Act introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas). API Senior Director of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman said that the bill is a path forward to giving state and local regulators adequate time and flexibility to implement new ozone standards while protecting jobs and not obstructing economic growth.

“Our nation’s air continues to get cleaner and U.S. carbon emissions from energy use are at their lowest point in more than 20 years,” said Feldman. “Proposals for protecting states and businesses from duplicative and costly new regulations are steps in the right direction. Removing hurdles for job creation and supporting local economies through environmentally responsible manufacturing, infrastructure and energy projects should be top priorities.”

Although ozone emissions declined by 17 percent between 2000 and 2015, the EPA issued stringent new regulations in 2015 before the previous regulations had been fully implemented, saddling state agencies and local economies with the obligation to develop two different but concurrent ozone programs. The latest ozone standards, which approach background levels in many areas, could place even rural, undeveloped areas out of compliance and could place new restrictions on virtually any economic activity. 

“Technological innovation and industry efforts can continue to protect public health and reduce emissions without costly government regulations that could jeopardize economic growth,” said Feldman. “API looks forward to working with Congress and EPA as they enact forward-thinking approaches that can meet the nation’s environmental and energy needs.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.