CC Resolution No. 2399RESOLUTION NO. 2399
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
EXPRESSING CONCERN REGARDING THE RECENT REGULATIONS BY THE U.S.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CONCERNING OZONE STANDARDS AND
URGING THE RESTORATION OF THE 2008 OZONE STANDARDS; AND PROVIDING FOR
THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
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WHEREAS, the data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( "EPA ") indicates that ozone
emissions have been in decline for several decades, which decline is due, at least in part, to the control measures
associated with past standards, including the ozone standards of 2008; and
WHEREAS, the EPA, nonetheless, recently strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for ground -level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb) from 75 ppb to protect public health; and
WHEREAS, while the purpose of the new regulations is admirable, the effect the updated standards will
have on public health remains uncertain; and
WHEREAS, the effect of the new regulations on the local economy is also uncertain in that the
regulations may threaten the opening of new manufacturing facilities, the expansion of current businesses, and the
investment in infrastructure projects; and
WHEREAS, certain data reveals that by reducing the ground -level ozone level, the U.S. GDP is expected
to decrease by $140 billion, resulting in 1.4 million fewer jobs and costing the average U.S. household $830 in lost
consumption each year from 2017 to 2040 for a total of $1.7 trillion in lost U.S. GDP during that period; NOW
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
Section 1: That the facts and recitations set forth in the preamble of this resolution be, and they are
hereby, adopted, ratified, and confirmed.
Section 2: That the City of Baytown hereby registers its concern regarding the EPA's revisions to the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground -level ozone and urges the restoration of the 2008
ozone standards, which have been shown to achieve a balance between environmental protection and a healthy
economy.
Section 3: That the City Manager is authorized to take all actions necessary to register the City's
concern regarding the EPA's new regulations and its desire for the implementation of the 2015 standards to be
deferred pending full implementation of the 2008 standards.
Section 4: This resolution shall take effect immediately from
of the City of Baytown. ,
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED, by the affirmative
this the 25`h day of February, 2016.
A ST:
ETICIA BRYSCH, City dak
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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NACIO RAMIREZ, SR., �b Attorney
after its passage by the City Council
City Council of the City of Baytown
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