"EPA is restarting review of a high-stakes decision on ground-level ozone standards in a step that short-circuits the prospects for any imminent action to tighten limits on the lung-damaging pollutant.

Like a similar move by then-President Barack Obama in 2011, the delay could allow EPA to avoid a politically difficult decision until after next year’s presidential election.

In a newly posted letter to an expert advisory panel, EPA Administrator Michael Regan wrote that “it is clear” that the panel’s assessment has identified several issues “that warrant additional evaluation and review” to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone."

Sean Reilly reports for E&E News August 21, 2023. [2]