WASHINGTON – American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski and American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statements following United States House of Representatives passage of the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017 (H.R. 806). The legislation, which now moves to the United States Senate for consideration, prevents a rushed implementation of the 2015 ozone Nation Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). 

Robert Glowinski, President and CEO, AWC:

“This bill provides a practical approach for implementing the ozone NAAQS by allowing the 2008 rule to be fully implemented and its impacts determined before EPA considers new thresholds. It also recognizes ongoing state efforts to improve air quality through a reasonable implementation schedule. The bill’s permitting relief and other reforms are also a key step toward air standards that balance environmental protection and economic development. AWC thanks Congressman Pete Olson and the lead sponsors for their leadership on H.R. 806.” 

Donna Harman, President and CEO, AF&PA:

“Our industry has helped to make our air cleaner by investing billions of dollars while producing products essential for everyday life. The bipartisan Ozone Standards Implementation Act creates a more sensible timeline for reviewing the NAAQS standards. This common-sense approach allows air quality improvements to move forward while promoting job creation and economic growth in America. The Senate should waste no time in passing a bill that will also support global competitiveness for the forest products industry.”

Background on H.R. 806:

• Adjusts the NAAQS review cycle to 10 years, establishing a more realistic review cycle;
• Sets a 10-year implementation schedule for the 2015 ozone NAAQS to provide states with time to complete work on implementing the 2008 ozone standard; and
• Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to issue implementation guidance concurrent with any NAAQS revision.