WY Citizen Groups Want to Clear the Air in Sublette County
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pinedale, WY – Clearing the air is the goal of citizen groups in Sublette County. They will petition the state this week for tougher air quality standards, to limit ozone air pollution in the county to a maximum of 65 parts per billion. It's 10 parts per billion lower than federal standards now followed by the state.
Mary Lynn Worl, chair of the group Citizens United for Responsible Energy Development in Pinedale, says the request is being made based on scientific research that shows exposure over time at the higher, federal standard harms people's health. The very young and older citizens, particularly, are at high risk, she adds.
"When it comes to ozone pollution, the federal government has failed to protect the health of our citizens – especially children and people who have compromised respiratory systems."
Worl credits steps taken by some oil and gas companies in recognition of the problem, smoggy skies that have been been most evident in Sublette County during the winter months.
"Industry is implementing technology to address this problem, but we need to help them hit the right target to protect the health of our citizens."
Worl says ozone pollution is connected to the area's boom in oil and gas development. The goal is not to shut down the energy industry, she insists, but to encourage companies to be proactive in limiting harmful pollution. Worl's group and the Upper Green River Valley Coalition plan to file the petition jointly with the Environmental Quality Council. The governor will have the final say.
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