Health and environmental groups propose new ozone standard to help reduce asthma attacks and premature deaths

The American Lung Association, Breathe California, Coalition for Clean Air, Environmental Defense Fund and the Sierra Club will hold a joint press conference in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to strengthen the national limits for ozone "smog" pollution. The organizations are calling on the EPA to enact the most protective ozone standard under consideration to protect the health of our communities and the environment from serious harm.

WHO:  Bonnie Holmes-Gen, Sr. Director of Policy & Air Quality, American Lung Association in California

Michael Gardner, Member, American Lung Association Board of Directors

Dr. Steven Maxwell, Thoracic Surgeon from Mercy San Juan & ALAC Volunteer

Andy Katz, Government Relations Director, Breathe California

Nidia Bautista, Policy Director, Coalition for Clean Air

Camille Kustin, Policy Analyst, Environmental Defense Fund

Carl Zichella, Regional Director, Sierra Club

Jill Ratner, The Rose Foundation

Students from EXCEL High School Law Academy in West Oakland

Susan Smyth, ALAC Volunteer with asthma

WHERE:  Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento International Airport

Natomas Ballroom

4900 Duckhorn Drive,

Sacramento, CA 95834

WHEN:  February 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Ground-level ozone is one of the most widespread and dangerous air pollutants threatening the health of millions of people and the environment and significantly contributes to asthma attacks, hospitalizations and premature deaths. In fact, six of the ten most polluted cities in the U.S. for ozone are in California including Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Fresno.

The EPA decided after litigation against the 2008 standard by ALA and other organizations to revise the national ambient air quality standards set by the Bush Administration and propose much tighter standards.  The research conducted over the past decade demonstrates that the current standard of 75 ppb not only fails to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act, but also does not adequately protect citizens or the environment from harm.  The EPA is proposing a standard between 60-70 PPB, a level that would substantially improve the public's health.

The public hearing on the new proposed standards will follow the press conference.