Hudson Slams Obama's Job-Killing Ozone Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s strict ozone regulations that will force 20 counties in North Carolina out of attainment, threatening jobs and economic growth:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released final regulations revising the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. This would force 20 counties in North Carolina out of attainment, including Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Union and Rowan counties in the eighth district. States are still working to implement the existing standard of 75 ppb, and the stricter standard will have no measurable impact on air quality and does not take into account naturally occurring ozone. In areas forced into non-attainment, manufacturers would not be able to expand without a reduction of emissions or a shutdown of operations from other plants in the area, bringing economic growth to a screeching halt and increasing energy costs for businesses and households alike.

As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power, Rep. Hudson is working to examine and put an end to harmful EPA regulations that could have economic consequences on jobs, families and communities in North Carolina. He and the Subcommittee have held hearings to examine the rule and its impacts on manufacturing, jobs and the economy. In addition, Rep. Hudson attended a roundtable in June in Cabarrus County to discuss possible impacts of the proposed ozone rule with state and local officials, manufacturers and small businesses.

In August, Rep. Hudson shared his perspective in the Charlotte Observer on what this tougher ozone regulation will mean for North Carolina.