EPA says Capital Region meets ozone standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed designating metro Baton Rouge as being in attainment for ozone pollution. The area, which includes East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes, has air quality data that shows it has met EPA ozone standards since Dec. 31, 2008. “With the help from industry, the public, environmental groups and more, we have reached this incredible air quality milestone,” says Peggy Hatch, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. “Louisiana’s environment is the best it’s been since the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Our goal is to continue to use technology, creative measures and our regulatory authority to protect human health and the environment.” Hatch says that with control measures in place, the Capital Region will meet ozone standards for the next decade. Earlier this year, members of the local congressional delegation asked the EPA to say Baton Rouge met ozone standards, saying the uncertainty was hampering growth by serving as a disincentive for businesses to move into the area and causing companies to set money aside to cover potential penalties. Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, says the revised designation will help the Capital Region’s competitiveness and is an important factor in job creation. “We are pleased that the EPA has evaluated the data that shows that the region has been meeting the attainment standards and are cautiously optimistic that we can work in unison with the EPA for further progress,” Knapp says.