New Ozone Standards Discussed In Four Corners Region

By Mónica Ortiz Uribe
November 06, 2015

A coalition of government, industry and citizen groups are meeting Monday in Colorado to discuss air quality in the Four Corners region. The discussion will include new federal requirements on ozone emissions.

The Four Corners Air Quality Group includes members who differ in their support for the new federal emissions standards. New Mexico, a founding member of the group, is among five states led by Arizona suing the Environmental Protection Agency over the new limits. Others like the San Juan Citizen Alliance in Colorado think the new rules should be stricter.

In October, the EPA lowered the acceptable standard for ground-level ozone from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion.

Satellite imagery shows the Four Corners region has the highest methane gas concentration in the nation. The region is rich in coal and oil deposits which for decades has attracted drilling and mining operations. The Four Corners Air Quality Group has implemented voluntary measures for industry to reduce its emissions including guidelines for dust control and solar powered well pads.

The group will meet through Tuesday at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.