As EPA inches toward its third look at national smog standards since 2018, the agency is seeking feedback on dozens of candidates nominated to provide outside scientific expertise during the high-stakes review.
In a newly posted roster, the agency sets an Oct. 22 deadline for public comment on 42 nominees to serve on what is formally dubbed the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee Ozone Panel.
Most are university-based researchers in epidemiology, toxicology and other specialized disciplines. EPA had sought the nominees in July. Those chosen will make up an auxiliary panel intended to bolster the seven-member Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) in its assessment of ground-level ozone regulations.
Ozone, a lung-chafing compound that is the main ingredient in smog, is among a half-dozen pollutants subject to National Ambient Air Quality Standards that EPA must periodically revisit to ensure that those standards mesh with the latest research into their health and environmental effects.
