New smog standards equal new costs, but better health

A proposed stricter standard on smog-causing pollutants could cost industry and government millions to bring metro Atlanta into compliance, but it also could improve people's health as it cleans the area's dirty air.

Officials and advocates said the new standards proposed Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency could hamper efforts to build new roads, slow regional growth, force industry to invest in cleaner technology and contribute to metro Atlanta's reputation as a smog-filled place.

But in the long run, the standards could help scrub the nation's most widespread air pollutant, which is linked to an array of heart and respiratory illnesses.

"Ground-level ozone, or smog, has plagued metro Atlanta for more than 25 years," said June Deen, advocacy director for the American Lung Association in Georgia. Lowering the limit could trigger clean-up requirements "that would benefit hundreds of thousands of citizens."

The Obama administration's proposal sets a standard for ground-level ozone of no more than 60 to 70 parts per billion. The smog proposal must undergo 60 days of public comment before officials settle on an exact number. The current rate is 75 parts per billion, adopted in 2008. The EPA estimated that complying with the new standard will cost, depending on which number is selected, $19 billion to $90 billion a year by 2020.

At the same time, if the administration targets the figure of 60 parts per billion, officials project that as many as 12,000 premature deaths from lung or heart disease could be avoided, along with thousands of cases of bronchitis and asthma.

"EPA is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face," the EPA said in a statement. "It dirties our air, clouds our cities, and drives up our health care costs across the country."

Metro Atlanta has been out of compliance with smog standards for about 30 years and stricter standards could drive even more communities out of the safe zone. The change could also make it tougher to bring the metro area into compliance, said Jac Capp, chief of the Air Protection Branch of the state Environmental Protection Division.

"Clearly, it would take us longer to get back into compliance," Capp said. "We've got a long way to go to get to the levels proposed today."

Georgia would have to update its existing plan to meet smog standards. That plan was making strides, Capp said. Several measures are already under way in metro Atlanta, including mandatory annual emission tests for vehicles and the switch to cleaner gasoline in the summer, when smog thrives.

Pollution-producing businesses could also be affected. Coal-fire power plants might have to devote more resources to cleaning their emissions, in order to obtain compliance.

The change could drive efforts to get cars off the roads, fueling government and employer efforts at carpooling and telecommuting. Mass transit efforts might receive a boost. Some businesses may choose to reduce the number of vehicles in their fleets or buy newer, cleaner vehicles, said Brian Carr of the Georgia-based Clean Air Campaign.

"It could change the way they do business," Carr said.

He said the change could cost Georgia businesses and government millions over years. As more communities fall out of compliance, local officials may find it more difficult to attract businesses to their areas, he said.

Power plants and motor vehicles are significant emitters of pollutants that form ozone when exposed to sunlight, but sources as small as gas lawnmowers could also face restrictions.

The change could alter plans to improve transportation in metro Atlanta.

In general, stricter emission standards make it tougher to build new roads, said David Spear, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

He said it is too early to tell whether any road projects would be scrapped.

New restrictions could also add to road construction costs, particularly if a road must be built to bypass an area that is out of compliance.

In general, Spear expects more study and consideration would be put into any plan to build a roadway, to make sure the project is absolutely worthwhile.

"It's going to require us to build smartly," Spear said.

The new standard would replace one set by the Bush administration in March 2008, which has been challenged in court by environmental advocates who said it does not adequately protect people and the environment.