In March, we reported that new ozone standards from the Environmental Protection Agency were not the standard in Anderson County. (The good news is a monitor in Oconee County was one of only eight in the state to register averages below the new standard.)

Both state officials and those at the local level realized that things had to change. Not meeting the standards has more than an adverse effect on health; it could adversely affect the health of the economy. Noncompliance would mean tighter regulations and less opportunity to secure grants, according to that report.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control began working with the county to prepare for the changes. And the county established an agreement with neighbor counties in the Upstate to encourage more environmentally friendly government fleets and more conservative operation.

Residents were advised to rethink their transportation choices, take advantage of carpooling and be more aware of unnecessary and multiple trips as well as how long they sit idling with the engine running. It was good advice, especially in dealing with the hikes in gasoline that would follow.

Motor vehicles aren’t the only things that affect our air quality. Some natural chemicals from the flora (in our case, pine trees, according to the original report) can impact ozone levels. The county responded with monitors to have a better idea of air quality. Before one can tackle a problem, it must be properly defined.

The county established an Outdoor Burning Task Force. The goal was to aid residents in finding other ways to dispose of yard debris and trash other than burning.

Fast forward to the dog days of summer: A tie vote at the Anderson County Council meeting on Aug. 20 resulted in the failure of a ban on outdoor burning in residential areas. There were some allowances for agricultural waste and other “special circumstances,” but in the end, three council members — Ron Wilson, Cindy Wilson and Bob Waldrep — voted against the ban. Only Ron Wilson was quoted as to why he opposed: too much government.

Residents spoke for and against the ban, both citing health concerns. Those who opposed it feared the inability to burn yard waste would create health issues. We are presuming their concerns stemmed from what animals might take up residence in the debris. Those who favored the ban spoke of asthma and other breathing difficulties when their neighbors burned.

We’ve had numerous calls from residents in the latter category, many claiming that neighbors are burning more than tree limbs and leaves. These people note that they can’t sit outside in their yards because of the smell and difficulties their bodies have resulting from what is released into the air.

We’re inclined to say that something that makes people cough trumps the possibility of critters every time. Councilwoman Gracie Floyd said she stopped burning because of a neighbor’s health. Too bad other residents aren’t that thoughtful.

For it appears the county council — at least half, at any rate — isn’t.