Central Oklahoma Region's Current Status with the EPA:

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the country's air pollution standards in spring 2001, stating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had the authority to set strict standards for ground-level ozone and soot in 1997.

But the court also said the agency's implementation policy for the ozone standard in areas where ozone exceeds the standard was unlawful, and that EPA must develop a "reasonable interpretation" of its implementation policies. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the court's opinion that under the law the standards must be set at a level required to protect the public health with an adequate margin of safety. Scalia did note that the law allows regulators to consider costs when determining how to implement the air quality standards.

The EPA tightened ozone standards in 1997, citing the need to protect 125 million Americans, including 35 million children, from adverse health effects caused by air pollution.

Aside from health concerns for people with respiratory and heart illnesses, violating the federal clean air standards could result in numerous requirements for the region, including a mandatory comprehensive vehicle inspection and maintenance program, more expensive and refined gasoline, and severe restraints on economic and highway development.

While it is certainly good news that Central Oklahoma is currently in compliance with the Clean Air Act, concerted efforts by citizens, businesses and governments must continue to keep our region's air clean.