Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding EPA Non-attainment Designations

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that Houston County, Walker County, and a significant portion of Monroe County were excluded from non-attainment designation:

"I am pleased that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not designate Houston, Walker, and Monroe Counties as non-attainment areas. I want to thank Administrator Leavitt for his personal engagement on this issue. In February, I met with him in Washington, DC to express our belief that these counties did not meet the criteria for non-attainment designation. As a former Governor, Administrator Leavitt was able to bring a state's perspective to the issue and apply common sense principles to the decision making process. EPA's decision today is positive news for these three counties, and especially for Robins Air Force Base.

"I would like to thank our congressional delegation, including Senators Miller and Chambliss and Congressmen Deal, Kingston, and Marshall for their partnership in this team effort. Dr. Couch and her staff at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division deserve credit for their expertise and support that led to today's decision."