API statement on EPA's new short-term NO2 NAAQS

Karen Matusic | 202.682.8118 | matusick@api.org

WASHINGTON, January 25, 2010 – The American Petroleum Institute issued the following statement today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s new short-term nitrogen dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards:

“API is deeply concerned that EPA is establishing a new short-term NO2 NAAQS based on a faulty science record. EPA rushed to a decision without completing a thorough review of the science in a manner that allowed proper public participation. Today’s standard is bad public policy and does not justify the additional economic burdens placed on consumers, states and industry.

“There is no significant evidence that the short-term NO2 standard established today by the Administrator is necessary to protect public health.  EPA is over-regulating this air quality standard for political -- not health -- reasons.

“National ambient NO2 concentrations are well below the current annual standard, and will continue to be reduced with new industrial and motor vehicle requirements irrespective of this new standard. Since 1990, the oil and natural gas industry has invested more than $175 billion towards improving the environmental performance of its products, facilities, and operations, and many of the investments in cleaner fuels will continue to improve air quality in the years ahead.”