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Public Comment Period Extended for Change in Dallas-Fort Worth Air Quality Rating

Release Date: 9/25/1997
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

The public comment period has been extended until December 1, 1997, on the proposed reclassification of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 announced today.

The 60-day extension was granted by Acting Regional Administrator Jerry Clifford in response to a request by the area's Congressional delegation.

"EPA is committed to carrying out our responsibilities under the Clean Air Act to address continued efforts needed to improve the air quality in Texas and throughout our Region. We also recognize that it is critical for your constituents to have adequate time to assess the proposal and submit comments before a final decision is published," Mr. Clifford wrote in a September 25 letter to members of the delegation.

The change from moderate to serious nonattainment was proposed August 14 in accordance with the Clean Air Act. Congress passed the act in 1990 to address citizens' growing concerns about the nation's deteriorating air quality.

Improving area air quality is important because, even at low levels, ozone can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, chest pains and coughs. Children are at higher risk of developing health problems because of the way their lungs work and because they spend more time exercising outside. The elderly and anyone with respiratory diseases also are at high risk. Long-term exposure to ozone can cause irreversible changes in lung tissue and lead to chronic diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.