By Associated Press – 27 Nov ’14
Areas of Wyoming that could exceed a proposed new federal standard for atmospheric ozone include the city of Cheyenne.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the proposal Wednesday. It calls for lowering the ozone threshold from 75 parts per billion to between 65 and 70 parts per billion, and possibly to as low as 60 parts per billion.
Air pollution causing ozone formation could put as many as five Wyoming counties in excess of the new threshold. The Casper Star-Tribune reports monitoring equipment in Fremont, Laramie, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties recently have shown ozone levels above 65 parts per billion.
State officials say it’s too soon to know which counties might top the limit after the rules take effect. The EPA plans to finalize the proposal next October.
