Also was able to attend a public hearing today in Atlanta for the new proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone - most affectionately know as smog. The proposed options would reduce the standard. Since ozone is a health based standard, there was a great deal of evidence presented which indicates that health effects of ozone. The day consisted of several speakers - each given 5 minutes to read testimony before the EPA. It was very interesting...I learned a lot and I have a renewed respect for the process. It was very cool to see it in practice. Some presentors of special note were representatives from groups such as the Sierra Club, Mothers and Others for Clean Air, National Association of Manufacturers, American Lung Association, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, various PhDs who are active in air quality monitoring research, even a third grader!
Several positions were discussed (both pro and con) and I thought it was a great experience! I have a renewed respect for those active citizens engaged in the process as well as those advocating for a greater emphasize on science as the backdrop for policy decisions that may ultimately effect my job in the future. FYI: If the proposed standards are lowered, several new counties all over the country will be designated as non-attainment...meaning 1) job security for me, and 2) significant effects on growth and development. I encourage you all to become informed...
Aaron is doing well. Getting to know all his students...and parents (as he has had several behaviour issues already arise). But, he is hanging in there - although with a recently developed head cold - ahh, yes the school year has begun!
That's all from us...peace and love in SC.
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