Greens ‘grateful’ for EPA smog rule

Environmental groups were quick to get President Obama’s back on Wednesday on his new proposal to rein in ozone pollution that causes smog.

Even before the administration officially unveiled the updated ground-level ozone standards on Wednesday, Republicans jumped to scrutinize the proposal.

{mosads}Green groups responded in kind, signaling the coming battle over the contentious rule.

“As we gather with family and friends for the holidays, all Americans can be especially thankful for this important step to reduce smog and secure healthier and longer lives,” said Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund.

Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters, cheered the move by the Environmental Protection Agency, saying it was one more thing Americans could be “grateful” for on Thanksgiving.

“We applaud the President and EPA for taking this important step to protect public health and look forward to working with them to ensure the final rule is as protective as possible,” Karpinski said.

While the administration is doubling down on the president’s climate agenda and plans to finish the ozone rule, Republicans like Sen. James Inhofe (Okla.) vowed to conduct “rigorous oversight” of the EPA’s proposal in Congress.

The proposal will cut the allowable threshold for ground-level ozone to between 65 and 70 parts per billion, down from the current 75 parts per billion.