New air quality standards

The group Clean air Upstate announced that the EPA put into place new nationwide air quality standards last week that call for strengthening the attainment level from 75 parts per billion to 70 ppb.  There are indications that the Upstate, including Oconee County, would be in compliance with the new standards as the highest testing monitor in the region had a level of 66 ppb.  “Having clean air that meets the EPA standards is crucial for the health of all Upstate residents and is also important because it means that manufacturers and needed transportation projects in the region will not be subject to additional regulations and costs,” said Dean Hybl, executive director of Ten at the Top.  Ten at The Top coordinates the Upstate Air Quality Advisory Committee.