H.R. 4775 would delay the implementation of the final rule promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2015 related to ambient-air-quality standards for ozone emissions. That rule, published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2015, requires states to determine whether different geographical areas in the states are in compliance with federal limits on ozone pollution and to submit plans to reduce ozone emissions to EPA starting in 2020. The legislation would delay the requirement for states to submit those plans until 2026. The bill also would require EPA to make several changes to its process for reviewing National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and other pollutants. Notably, the bill would extend the review cycle for certain pollutants from 5 to 10 years and would allow EPA to consider technological feasibility when setting standards for safe levels of those pollutants. Based on information from EPA about ongoing workload requirements, CBO estimates that implementing these changes would not have a significant effect on EPA’s spending.
Additionally, the bill would require EPA to conduct a study on the formation of atmospheric ozone and to submit a report to the Congress describing the extent to which foreign sources of air pollution affect the ability of states to comply with federal pollution limits under the Clean Air Act. Based on information from EPA, CBO estimates that completing those activities would cost $2 million over the 2017-2019 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
Enacting H.R. 4775 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4775 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027.
H.R. 4775 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
