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The 36th Congressional District of Texas, which I am proud to represent, has more petrochemical facilities than any other district in the country. Thus, our area would be significantly impacted by the EPA’s new proposed ozone regulations.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and local industry have already spent billions of dollars on environmental controls and cleaner units making our air cleaner. Data provided by TCEQ and industry monitors demonstrates that we have the cleanest air in the last 30 years.

Unfortunately, EPA continues to target our petrochemical industry with more job-killing regulations. This is an industry that creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and drives not only our economy here Texas, but also the national economy.

The EPA’s proposed regulations go way too far. In fact, under the 0.65 parts per billion ozone standard that has been mentioned as a new standard, a significant portion of the U.S. would be out of compliance. This would mean areas like Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and Big Bend National Park would not meet EPA’s ozone standard.

EPA has suggested it is seeking to strengthen the air quality standard due to health concerns. Yet, EPA’s own research suggests otherwise. Much of their research shows no significant improvement in health benefit and, in some cases, EPA’s research shows even greater harm coming from a standard intended to improve health.

EPA actions should be balanced and based in reason. Let’s fully implement the current regulations before adding new, unachievable regulations. We should also measure that success through an open, transparent and fair analysis of the improvements made in cleaning up our region’s air.

Read: http://houstonairquality.com/epas-proposed-new-ozone-standard-a-guest-post-from-congressman-brian-babin/