API Supports Maintaining Strong Air Quality Standards

The American Petroleum Institute (API) on Dec. 23 welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final decision to retain the existing ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is required to review the standards every five years under the Clean Air Act. The decision follows the EPA’s review of scientific evidence and public health assessments that found the existing standards protect the public while supporting a downward trend in U.S. emissions and cleaner air quality.

“American energy leadership and environmental progress have thrived under the existing standards, thanks in large part to cleaner fuels, advanced technologies, and industry actions to reduce emissions,” API senior vice president of Policy, Economics, and Regulatory Affairs Frank Macchiarola said. “Americans are breathing the cleanest air in half a century, and with smart regulations, we can continue to meet our shared goals of reducing emissions, protecting public health, and developing affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy.”

API and groups across several industry sectors support EPA’s decision to retain the national limits of 70 parts per billion (ppb), the ozone standards set by the Obama administration in 2015. Under the existing standards, the regulated sectors have innovated and taken action, including the production of cleaner motor vehicle and power generation fuels to reduce emissions, while continuing to support the American economy.

According to EPA, 8-hour average ozone levels in ambient air in the U.S. have fallen 25% since 1990, and combined emissions from the six common pollutants dropped by 77% between 1970 and 2019. During this same period, U.S. gross domestic product increased 285%, vehicle miles traveled increased 195%, and energy consumption increased 49%. To review the EPA’s latest information on the nation’s air quality status and trends through 2019, go to https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport/2020/#welcome

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, December 30, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.