Air quality

Federal air-quality standards have, over several decades, resulted in less smog in the nation's urban areas. Now rural areas in many states, including Missouri, face tough federal regulations because they are being designated as "nonattainment" areas based largely on tests that indicate there is too much ozone in the air.

The "nonattainment" designation is likely to apply even to some counties in Southeast Missouri that are covered by large swaths of the Mark Twain National Forest. Most of us think of trees as being essential to improving air quality, but current ozone regulations show that even forests fall within nonattainment limits.

Now the EPA is considering stricter standards, which means Cape Girardeau County and several nearby counties will surely be labeled as nonattainment areas. This means tougher rules and higher costs for industries considering a move into these counties -- and more expense for existing industries that want to expand.

This comes at a time when the nation is looking for ways to boost the economy and provide more jobs. Nationwide, the new EPA standards are estimated to cost industries some $90 billion to implement.

Federal legislators need to hear from folks in affected counties as they consider what to do with the EPA.