EPA Public Hearing on Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide

EPA Sets Public Hearing Dates on Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide

WASHINGTON –EPA will hold two public hearings on the agency’s proposal to strengthen the nation’s nitrogen dioxide (NO2) standards. The proposed revisions would establish, for the first time, a one-hour NO2 standard, at a level between 80 and 100 parts per billion (ppb) and would retain the current annual standard of 53 ppb. The proposed changes reflect the latest science on the health effects of exposure to NO2, which is formed by emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and industrial facilities and can lead to respiratory disease.

The hearings will be August 3 in Arlington , Va. and August 6 in Los Angeles . Both hearings will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. local time at the following locations:

Note: Anyone attending the Arlington hearing will need to bring photo identification.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings may pre-register for a specific speaking time by contacting Tricia Crabtree at crabtree.tricia [at] epa.gov or (919) 541-5688. People also may register in person on the day of the hearing; however, they may not be given a specific time to speak.

EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed rule until Sept. 14, 2009.

More information on the proposed rule and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/air/nitrogenoxides/actions.html