Document K6zLgzgpJayYaBQDX8av4w3k6

,WT!Si AxSW E. Scott PRurrr A dm inistrator June 6, 2 0 i 7 Hie Honorable Doug Dueey Governor of Arizona State Capitol 1700 W, Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 Dear Governor Dueey: I am writing to update you on the status of the ITS, Environmental Protection Agency's efforts related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone promulgated in October 2015. Pursuant to section 107(d)(1)! B) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), 1 am extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations for the 2015 ozone NAAQS by one year. 1have determined that there is insufficient information, and taking additional time is appropriate in order to consider completely all designation recommendations provided by state governors pursuant to CAA section 107(d)(1)(A) and to rely fully on the most recent air quality data. This additional lime will also provide the Agency time to complete its review o f the 2015 ozone NAAQS, prior to taking this initial implementation step. Although the new ozone standard was set on October 1, 2015, there remains a host of complex issues that could undermine associated compliance efforts by states, localities and regulated entities. As part of the review process, the Agency is evaluating these issues primarily focusing on: fully understanding the role o f background ozone levels; appropriately accounting for international transport; and, timely consideration of exceptional events demonstrations. Additionally, pursuant to language in the recently-enacted FY 2017 omnibus bill, I have established an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply with the ozone standard. States have made tremendous progress and significant investment cleaning up the air. Since 1980, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have dropped by 63 percent and ozone levels have declined by 33 percent. Despite the continued improvement o f air quality, costs associated with compliance of the ozone NAAQS have significantly increased. I am committed to working with you and your local officials to effectively implement the ozone standard in a manner that is supportive o f your air qualify improvement efforts, without Interfering with local decisions or impeding economic growth. 1200 Pv.xxsy.vasa A vc. N W * M.ui, Cor: 1101A * W ashington, 130 20160 * {2(t2G>6l-4700 * F ax: (202) 001-1140 fJ J Tts* paces is printed witfi wgfftwfe-oi-tasetf intt* end ( ixisxofssutsei ftoyefed nvuedet. cMarise-tee-pAiS and a?cyds:. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 3/4 ED 002061 00078515-00001 1 appreciate the information you and your staff have shared with EPA already as pari of this process, i am confident this progress will continue as we work together towards our shared goal o f clean air, a ioIhim economy and stronger, healthier communities. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me or your staff may contact Troy Lyons, Associate Administrator for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, at lyonsiroy@ epa.gov or (202 ) 564498?, Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 3/4 ED 002061 00078515-00002