September 5, 2007 

Unwarranted New Ozone Standard Threatens Manufacturing Jobs
Current Standard Working, Will Cut Emissions 50 to 70 Percent

Austin, TX – A new ozone standard proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will threaten manufacturing jobs unnecessarily as the current standard is generating dramatic air quality improvements, according to the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM). TAM is testifying today before an EPA panel at a public hearing in Houston at 12:10 p.m.

“Manufacturers are committed to clean air and have been innovators in air quality improvement,” said Tony Bennett, chairman of TAM. “The current ozone standard is working to clean the air and will cut power plant emissions in half by 2015 and vehicle emissions by 70% by 2030, according to the EPA -- even as our economy grows.”

“An unwarranted change in the ozone standard will balloon the current standard’s $100 billion price tag and siphon billions away from the best jobs in Texas - high paying manufacturing jobs,” he said.

According to Bennett, the EPA should allow the nation to realize the benefits of the current standard, which has not been fully implemented. “Texas just spent two years - and taxpayer dollars - to develop plans to implement the current standard. The EPA proposed this change less than 30 days later,” he said. “With a moving target for success, we have no hope for success.”

Fallout for counties in violation of the new standard is substantial. Counties in violation – which will triple in Texas under the lowest proposed standard – could lose federal highway funds and could see economic development opportunities delayed if not shelved completely, according to Bennett. “Lost economic opportunity equals lost jobs,” he said.

“Texas manufacturers are proud of our state’s programs like the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) and the Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance (LIRAP) that have gone far in generating real results. We hope the EPA will remain committed to what’s working and embrace common sense solutions.”

It is also unclear that a new ozone standard will produce any health benefits, according to Bennett. Many scientists, including those selected by the EPA to advise them, disagree on the methodology used to determine the risks and benefits of changing the ozone standard.

“The science surrounding the new ozone standard is in question, health benefits are unknown and the technology to implement the new standard does not exist,” he said. “Forcing a multibillion dollar expenditure - to fix something that isn’t broken – defies common sense.”

Contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326