Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declined to set tougher standards on particulate matter air pollution, sometimes known as soot or smog.  The agency stated the existing regulations remain sufficient to protect human health and the environment.  The decision retains the current threshold for fine-particle (PM2.5) and course-particle (PM10) pollution under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for another five years.

EPA Science Review

During a press conference, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the agency’s decision “comes after careful review of the most rigorous scientific evidence,” and consultation with scientific advisors.  The EPA press release also cites the fact that, between 2000 and 2019, average PM2.5 concentrations in the U.S. fell by 44 percent and average PM10 concentrations similarly fell by 46 percent. The retained levels of 12 micrograms per cubic meter were set by the EPA in 2012.  In a draft report last year, however, some of the EPA’s own scientists recommended lowering the standard to a number between 8 and 10, citing estimates that reducing the limit to 9 could save between 9,000 and 34,000 lives per year.

Business Approval

Several major business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute, backed the EPA decision. Douglas Buffington, West Virginia’s senior deputy attorney general, called the decision a major win for coal which shows that “evidence-based regulations can protect the environment and still leave room for industries to thrive.”

Background

Fine-particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, includes particles which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller.  They can be emitted directly from a variety of sources, including vehicles, smokestacks, fires, power plants, industrial processes, and gasoline and diesel engines. Coarse particles, PM10, which have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers, include road dust that is kicked up by traffic, some agricultural operations, construction and demolition operations, industrial processes, and biomass burning. Cornerstone's environmental regulation experts are always available to answer your questions about air emission regulations or permits.  Contact us at info@corner-enviro.com