EPA ready to declare Pinedale area non-attainment for ozone

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
is moving ahead with a proposed regulatory designation that could
increase pressure on the gas industry to limit emissions that have
led to severe wintertime ozone pollution in western Wyoming.
     The EPA is doing so while it settles a nationwide lawsuit over
ozone filed by an environmental group, WildEarth Guardians.
     In 2009, Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal recommended that the EPA
enact what's known as "nonattainment status" for ozone in the
Upper Green River Basin. The EPA has informed Gov. Matt Mead it is
now prepared to support that recommendation.
     The EPA's slow response on ozone nonattainment in mainly urban
areas prompted WildEarth Guardians to sue in August.
     Mead says he's pleased the EPA has agreed with the state's
recommendations for ozone nonattainment.