NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today signed an executive order creating an Interagency Working Group on Air Quality to support state and local efforts to comply with new federal regulations and improve air quality across Tennessee.

"Meeting tough, new federal air quality standards will require the participation of all Tennesseans. State government intends to lead by example," Bredesen said. "This working group will identify actions state agencies can take to reduce their own impacts on air quality, while supporting Tennessee communities and businesses in their ongoing efforts to comply with federal air quality standards."

The executive order was issued to assist the state in meeting the new federal air quality standard for ozone, commonly referred to as the eight-hour ozone standard. The new standard requires that ground-level ozone measurements not exceed 0.08 ppm (parts per million) over an eight-hour average. The previous, less stringent standard was 0.12 ppm over a one-hour average.

Bredesen asked Betsy L. Child, commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation, to chair the task force.

"Clean air is essential for our citizen's health, our environment, and our economy," Bredesen said. "The state agencies with the greatest ability to reduce air pollution will now work together to address one of the most serious environmental challenges facing our state."

The working group includes the departments of Economic and Community Development, Environment and Conservation, Finance and Administration, General Services, Health, Transportation, and Tourist Development.

"We appreciate Governor Bredesen's leadership in bringing the diverse and unique resources of state government to the fight for clean air," Child said. "The governor has authorized the working group to make recommendations on state action to help Tennessee meet federal standards, coordinate interagency resources, collect and analyze information and data, and identify and implement needed training."

Bredesen has also charged the working group with exploring specific air quality efforts including transportation control measures, mass transit, congestion mitigation projects, idling minimization, use of alternative, cleaner fuels, and local air quality education programs.

In compliance with federal law, Child submitted a list to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of those counties measuring ozone levels above the standard, as well as those counties determined to contribute to excessive ozone levels in other areas, on July 14.

All counties on the state's list as well as some adjacent counties have joined the state and EPA in agreements called Early Action Compacts to meet federal ozone requirements by 2007, before federal deadlines. In return for this early action, EPA will defer the effective date of the economic and transportation restrictions that usually apply to areas that fail to meet the ozone standard.

Ozone is a colorless gas formed by the interaction of emissions of oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds during the hot, dry months of summer. These emissions are caused largely by motor vehicles, power plants, and industrial and commercial sources. High ozone levels have harmful health impacts, especially for children, the elderly, those with respiratory problems, and those that spend a lot of time outdoors.