EPA proposal would impose tougher smog standard in Indiana

New smog standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday would force Indiana to comply with stricter air quality standards.

The current standard of 75 parts per billion would be lowered to a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion. It’s estimated that 25 counties in Indiana would fail to meet a 65 parts per billion standard, based on current pollution measurements that EPA records show.

Communities that fail to meet clean-air standards face federal sanctions that may include loss of funding for highways. The restrictions may also weigh heavy on the expansion of businesses and the state’s ability to attract new ones.

"Bringing ozone pollution standards in line with the latest science will clean up our air, improve access to crucial air quality information, and protect those most at-risk," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy following the new proposal. "It empowers the American people with updated air quality information to protect our loved ones, because whether we work or play outdoors, we deserve to know the air we breathe is safe."

EPA estimated costs to comply with the new standards at $3.9 billion in 2025 for a standard of 70 parts per billion. That cost rises to $15 billion for a standard at 65 parts per billion.