McConnell Comments on EPA's Ozone Rule Announcement

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement today regarding EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's announcement of a 1-year delay of the Obama Administration's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS):

"I applaud Administrator Scott Pruitt for his decision to delay this Obama Administration issued regulation, which was finalized in October 2015. This regulation was yet another attack on the Middle Class by the Obama Administration and was forced through despite significant concern from communities across the country. Today's postponement will give states and municipalities relief in the interim while EPA continues to review NAAQS levels."

Background:

Last Congress, Senator McConnell cosponsored the Clean Air Strong Economies (CASE) Act (S. 751) which would have prohibited the EPA from enforcing its national ambient air quality standards for ozone until at least 85% of counties that are not in compliance with the current standards are able to comply. He also cosponsored a CRA to overturn the rule (S.J.Res. 25), supported a provision in the FY 2016 Interior Appropriations bill to delay the rule, and introduced a Kentuckian who testified on the rule before the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee.

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