EPA has performed an illustrative analysis of the potential costs and human health and visibility benefits of nationally attaining a new ozone standard of 0.075 ppm. Per Executive Order 12866 and the guidelines of OMB Circular A-4, this Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) also presents analyses of three alternative standards, a less stringent 0.079 ppm and two more stringent options (0.065 and 0.070 ppm). The benefit and cost estimates below are calculated incremental to a 2020 baseline that incorporates air quality improvements achieved through the projected implementation of existing regulations and full attainment of the existing ozone and particulate matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The baseline also includes the Clean Air Interstate Rule and mobile source programs, which will help many areas move toward attainment of the current ozone standard. This RIA is focused on development and analyses of illustrative control strategies to meet these alternative standards in 2020. This analysis does not prejudge the attainment dates that will ultimately be assigned to individual areas under the Clean Air Act, which contains a variety of potential dates and flexibility for extensions. For purposes of this analysis, though, we assume attainment by 2020 for all areas except for two areas (San Joaquin Valley and South Coast air basins) in California. The state has submitted to EPA plans for implementing the current ozone standard which propose that these two areas of California meet that standard by 2024. We have assumed for analytical purposes that the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast air basin would attain a new standard in 2030. The actual attainment year for all areas will be determined through the State Implementation Plan process.

Cover title. EPA Project officer: Ron Evans. Updating EPA-452/R-07-008 "Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Proposed Revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-level Ozone." "Mar. 2008." Report/Final report. "EPA-452/R-08-003." PB2009-100520.