Opus Group: US EPA Announces Stricter Ozone Standards - Outlook for U.S. Vehicle Emission Testing Improved

Regulatory News:

Opus Group (STO:OPUS)

On October 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb) from 75 ppb.

"Put simply – ozone pollution means it hurts to breathe for those most vulnerable: our kids, our elderly and those suffering from heart and lung ailments,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Our job is to set science-backed standards that protect the health of the American people. Today’s action is one of the most important measures we can take for improving public health, reducing the costs of illness and protecting our children’s health.” – EPA News Release, http://goo.gl/04TCRJ.

Two years from now the EPA will issue final area designations, which classify air pollution severity. Some States will have until 2020 to come into attainment; other, heavier polluted States (in particular California, Texas) will have until 2037 to bring current ozone levels in polluted areas securely below 70 ppb. EPA reviews ground level ozone standards every five years. (EPA source: http://www3.epa.gov/ozonepollution/pdfs/20151001designationsfs.pdf)

Establishing mandatory vehicle emission testing programs is among the tools that states may include in their State Implementation Plans. "We are pleased with the EPA announcement today,” said Jim Sands, president of Opus Inspection. "We will be monitoring the progress of the states toward implementing plans to attain the new ozone standard, and look forward to working with our state and county customers on existing I/M programs and possibly newly required actions.”

Mölndal, October 2, 2015

Opus Group AB (publ)

Opus Group is a leading vehicle inspection company with a strong focus on customer service and innovative technology. Opus Group is one of the market leaders in vehicle inspection operations in the US and Sweden. Opus Bilprovning has 75 vehicle inspection stations in Sweden. Opus Inspection operates vehicle inspection programs in the U.S., Bermuda, Chile, Peru and Pakistan and is active in sales and service of emission control equipment in North America and Mexico. Opus Group’s revenues amounted to approximately SEK 1,458 million in 2014. Opus Group’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

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