EPA Approves Redesignation of Atlanta Area to Attainment for Ozone

EPA Press Release:

For Immediate Release: December 2, 2013 EPA Approves Redesignation of Atlanta Area to Attainment for Ozone Contact Information:  Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is taking final action to approve the state of Georgia’s request to redesignate the Atlanta area to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. This action is based on air quality monitoring data for the three-year period of 2008, 2009, and 2010 that meets the standard. The area continues to attain this standard. “This is a great accomplishment for the Atlanta area, a product of strong collaboration among government, the business community, environmental organizations and ordinary citizens." said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. "Together with our partners at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, we look forward to continued progress in improving Atlanta's air quality." The Atlanta area has made significant progress in improving air quality.  This progress is a result of hard work and great cooperation among local, state and federal agencies, private partners and the over four million Georgians who live and work in the Atlanta area. The Atlanta area impacted by this proposed action includes the following 20 counties:  Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton.  “All of metropolitan Atlanta can be proud of this major accomplishment. Everyone should be applauded, from citizens who keep their vehicles in good running condition to industries and power plants that have invested in improved emission controls,” said Judson H. Turner, Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. “It has taken many years, but the results are cleaner air and a healthier place to live and work.” Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.  Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue. For more information on the Atlanta area proposed 1997 8-hour ozone redesignation, visit docket number EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0986 at www.regulations.gov. Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4 And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast ###

EPA, HUD, DOT and City of Atlanta to Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary

Press release:

Media Advisory
August 27, 2012

EPA, HUD, DOT and City of Atlanta to Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary

Contact Information:  Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov  or Jason McDonald, (404) 562-9203, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov

ATLANTA – On August 29, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming will join Mayor Kasim Reed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Administrator Dr. Yvette Taylor to celebrate the third anniversary of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (Partnership).  The Partnership is an interagency effort to help communities nationwide improve access to affordable housing, increase transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment and people’s health.
To celebrate the local accomplishments of this partnership initiated within the city of Atlanta, a program and workshop has been planned to share the Partnership’s successes and plans for the future. Stakeholders, that include neighborhood, non-profit and elected leaders, will share information on what has worked in southwest Atlanta.  Representatives from nearby communities will also discuss how Partnership projects are setting trends in their area.

Who:  Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Regional Administrator
 Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta
 Ed Jennings, Jr., HUD Regional Administrator
Dr. Yvette Taylor, FTA Regional Administrator,

What:  Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary
When:  August 29, 2012
Where: Kroc Center
967 Dewey Street SW
Atlanta, GA

Since announcing the partnership, the agencies have dedicated more than $2.5 billion in assistance nationally to more than 200 communities in 48 states to help meet housing and transportation goals while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and addressing the challenges of climate change. Of that funding, $238 million was focused on America’s rural communities.

For more information about the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, visit: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/.

Note:  A media availability will be held from 10:15 until 10:45 a.m. in the Kroc Center.

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