By Ernest Istook
This July 4th has plenty of red, white and blue–especially red tape. Federal regulations govern the import, testing, shipping, sales and displays of all fireworks.
But the EPA says fireworks contribute to air pollution—so there’s a new regulation pending. Already, communities need a waiver from the EPA if smoke from a public fireworks display drifts near an air quality monitoring station. Without a waiver, communities can be penalized for polluted air.
New EPA ozone rules might put fireworks on the endangered species list, along with outdoor grilling or mowing your lawn. The agency says it’s too many if there are 70 particles of ozone among a billion molecules. If fireworks push a community over the line on Independence Day, they face federal punishment.
The rockets’ red glare is a major American tradition. But now it gets smothered by all the red tape.
