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COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED ON PROPOSED NEW CLEAN AIR STANDARDS

Release Date: 2/12/1997
Contact Information: Dave Schmidt, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-1578

     (San Francisco) -- In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA's) request for a 60-day extension to the public comment period on the proposed revisions to the national clean air standards for particulate matter and ozone (soot and smog), a federal court has granted a 21-day extension.  The decision extends the deadline for comments from February 18 to March 12, 1997.

     During this public comment period, which has been in progress since mid-December, U.S. EPA is soliciting comments from the public on U.S. EPA's proposed new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulates and ozone.  U.S. EPA will consider all comments submitted before the March 12 deadline in making its decision on promulgation of new standards.  The court also extended the promulgation deadline 21 days, to July 19, 1997.

     Although U.S. EPA would have preferred more time, the Agency will obviously comply with the Court's order and complete the public comment period for proposed ozone and particulate standards by March 12.  U.S. EPA will continue to do everything possible to ensure that the American public has a fair, thorough and full opportunity to comment on this complex rulemaking.  The decision underscores the importance the Court has placed on moving ahead in a timely manner to ensure the public health is protected.

     Comments may be submitted by phone, e-mail, or mail.  A toll-free telephone line is in operation to receive comments up to two minutes long, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The number is 1-888-TELL-EPA.  Commenters must give their name, address, and affiliation, if any, when providing comments via the toll-free number or e-mail.  All comments will be transcribed and available to the public for review.

     For more information on the proposed standards and the procedures for submitting e-mail or written comments, a catalogue of information is available on the U.S. EPA Internet website at http://ttn.rtpnc.epa.gov/naaqspro/ .  Residents of California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arizona may request printed materials by calling U.S. EPA's regional office in San Francisco, at (415) 744-1500.

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