Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016 (H.R. 4775), which provides flexibility for states to meet the current ozone standards published in 2015 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The EPA’s air quality regulations, in their current form, place a tremendous burden on Eastern Washington,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Despite the fact that ozone levels have declined significantly since the Clean Air Act was amended in 1990, the EPA doubled down by setting unrealistic expectations that cannot be met without serious damage to our economy. The regulations are unnecessarily strict and leave states in an impossible situation. This legislation is a thoughtful, commonsense approach that protects air quality and public health, while allowing for the flexibility needed to keep our economy thriving.”