Congresswoman Matsui Praises EPA Interim Ruling re: Sacramento Air Quality Standard
• Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) issued the below statement following the Environmental Protection Agency•’s (EPA) proposal to determine that the area has attained the one-hour ozone standard, thereby eliminating the requirement for Section 185 fees to be imposed on larger businesses in the Sacramento region. The approval of this request will save Sacramento businesses roughly $6 million in Section 185 fees, as the EPA has determined that an important air quality standard has been met. This proposed determination was based on numerous factors including concurrences on wildfire exceptional events in 2008. EPA is simultaneously issuing a notice to immediately stop sanctions.
For a number of years, the Sacramento region, including the Sacramento Air Quality Management District, local businesses and government agencies, have implemented a number of policies to improve Sacramento•’s air quality. The EPA proposed decision serves as proof that the region•’s efforts are paying off. Notices will be published within the next two weeks in the Federal Register, and EPA will then provide a 30-day public comment period on the notices.
• The EPA announcement is great news for Sacramento businesses. Local businesses have helped our region meet both state and federal air quality standards, and they should not be punished for circumstances out of their control, as was the case in 2008, when a series of wildfires badly damaged our region•’s air quality.
• I am supportive of EPA•’s proposed action as our region continues to strive to meet the strictest air quality standards. Local businesses big and small, individual consumers, and elected officials must all continue to work together to meet these standards in the years to come, and to provide the cleanest possible air and water for our families.•
