WASHINGTON (11/09/05) -- The U.S. EPA has issued rules and guidance to state, local and tribal governments on how to develop plans to reduce ozone pollution in areas that do not meet EPA's health-based standards.

"This rule signifies EPA's commitment to working with communities to develop cost effective plans," EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum said. "As our ozone rule and other clean air rules take effect, Americans will be able to work, exercise and play in cleaner, healthier air."

The Phase 2 Ozone Implementation Rule outlines emissions control and planning requirements for states to address as they develop their plans showing how they will reduce ozone pollution to meet the 8-hour ozone standard. 

The rule requires states to demonstrate through modeling that nonattainment areas will attain the 8-hour standard as expeditiously as practicable. These demonstrations must include data on reasonably available control measures and reasonably available control technologies. The rule also outlines new source review requirements for areas not meeting the 8-hour standard.

The Phase 2 rule also includes a requirement that certain areas now using cleaner-burning reformulated gasoline (RFG) must continue to use RFG until they meet the 8-hour standard and are designated as attainment. In addition, areas that were previously reclassified as "severe" for the 1-hour standard, and did not attain the 1-hour standard before it was revoked, must continue to use reformulated gas at least until they attain the 8-hour standard.

EPA finalized the Phase 1 ozone implementation rule on April 15, 2004.

The Phase 2 final rule and a fact sheet are available online.