OREANDA-NEWS. API said that the EPA’s announced delay of the implementation of the 2015 ozone standards offers a needed opportunity for states, the administration and Congress to improve the standards and ensure job security while protecting the economy.

"We look forward to working with the administration and Congress on forward-looking policies as the nation’s air continues to get cleaner," said API Senior Director of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman. "The U.S. EPA and Congress should ensure that standards protect states and businesses from duplicative and costly new regulations, while protecting the public health with an adequate margin of safety."

Proposals, such as the Ozone Standards Implementation Act introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas) are examples of how state and local regulators could have more flexibility to implement new ozone standards while ensuring economic security.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.