As the Environmental Protection Agency contemplates a significant reduction to allowable ozone levels, the feds ought to consider the impact on places like Routt County. It may be easy for a bureaucrat sitting in the comfortable confines of a government office building in Washington, D.C., to ink new rules, but it’s up to the people of communities across the nation to actually implement them.

Most folks probably don’t think much about ozone levels today. That’s because things are improving, although many counties are still working to achieve the standards set by the EPA in 2008. Back in 1999, the Hayden Station spent over $100 million to install smokestack scrubbers and enormous vacuum cleaners. In turn, that investment has removed 99 percent of particulate emissions for cleaner air. With that, the new scrubbers also reducing sulfur dioxide close to 85 percent. Currently, further mandatory reduction now could have a much bigger impact – on the economy and jobs right here in our own community.

The new ozone rules would have a particularly difficult affect on the mining industry that thrives in this region. As Routt County treasurer, I understand just how important the local mine is to our economy. After all, it contributes $3 million to our annual budget. If the proposed ozone standard gets implemented, it could harm the mine’s ability to operate at its current level, thus risking its annual tax payments.

In addition to serving as treasurer, I’m also a volunteer fire chief. I know firsthand just how vital these funds are to ensure that area fire protection special districts can provide emergency services to our neighbors in need.

Putting those tax payments at risk is not good for Routt County and, ultimately, it won’t be good for the nation, either.

We all know our community depends on the tourism industry for many of our jobs. Countless small businesses exist because of the tourists that flock to Steamboat Springs and Howelsen Ski Mountains. With year-round opportunities for visitors to hike, bike, fish, ski and more, people around the world appreciate the chance to take advantage of everything we have to offer.

I never hear any of these visitors complain about the local mine. We all know it’s a large-scale operation, but it is one that respects the values that we hold so dear here in Colorado. The operators manage it in such a way that it balances economic and environmental needs, ensuring that it can be a safe and profitable partner in our community.

The new ozone rules could put all of this at risk. They would jeopardize jobs, erode the economy and bust the budget for local taxpayers. Nationwide, it is expected to be one of the costliest regulations ever implemented, with an annual price tag of $140 billion and a loss of 1.4 million jobs.

It’s particularly hard to accept that these ozone rules would impact natural jewels like Routt County. If it hits home here – in a place where most casual observers would say that the environment is in great shape – then you can only imagine what the consequences of this proposal could be throughout Colorado and the rest of the United States.

While the negative impact on the mine would be obvious, the less visible effects would be just as costly. Studies suggest that each individual – not each family or household, but every single person – would need to absorb about $2,000 annually in higher prices for common goods and services as a result of a stringent new ozone standard.

Basic everyday needs like electricity would rise by as much as 23 percent or more. Travel – for tourists to get here or workers to commute to their jobs – would become more expensive. And all those goods we have delivered to our stores and homes? Yes, those will cost more to buy and to ship.

It would be hard to find a community that treasures the environment more than Routt County. We depend on it to attract visitors from across the country and around the world. The numbers are growing with location neutral businesses choosing to call Routt County home. We rely on the resources we have been blessed with to support the local economy and fund the programs that our residents depend upon.

The EPA’s proposed ozone rules would put all of that at risk. The price is simply too high, and it’s time for the regulators in Washington to take a closer look at the real world costs associated with meeting the standard. When they do, they’ll realize communities like ours can’t afford it.

Brita Horn is Routt County treasurer and a local volunteer fire chief.