The US Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its National Ambient Air Quality Standard for low level ozone, which contributes to the formation of smog. The American Bakers Association (ABA) leveraged comments through the National Association of Manufacturers.

As expected, responses from industry and the environmental community differ. ABA will continue tracking and engaging on this issue as it will likely result in increased costs to all industry with minimal benefit.

EPA’s revised standard strengthens limits on ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion, down from the 75 parts per billion standard that was adopted in 2008.

The new ozone rule goes into effect in several years. States have until 2017 to collect air quality data, determine their status and then additional years to develop their state plans to decrease ozone levels. California, which historically has challenges meeting the ozone standard will have until 2037 to comply with the new standard.