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US EPA unveils stricter standards for air quality
The US air quality standard for fine particlulate matter is reduced from 12 to 9 μg/m3. This is projected to yield substantial net health benefits, amounting to up to $46 billion by 2032.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released stricter air quality standards that will better protect America’s families, workers and communities from the dangerous and costly health effects of fine particle pollution.
The annual national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was strengthened from a level of 12 micrograms to 9 micrograms per cubic metre. The new standard will save lives and money, yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits in 2032. For every $1 spent on this action, there could be as much as $77 in human health benefits in 2032. The clean air strategy is also seen as a sound economic choice by contributing to the resurgence of manufacturing in the US. Since 2000, PM2.5 concentrations in outdoor air have decreased by 42% while the US Gross Domestic Product increased by 52% during the same period.
“This final air quality standard will save lives and make all people healthier, especially within America’s most vulnerable and overburdened communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Cleaner air means that our children have brighter futures, and people can live more productive and active lives, improving our ability to grow and develop as a nation. EPA looks forward to continuing our decades of success in working with states, counties, Tribes, and industry to ensure this critical health standard is implemented effectively to improve the long-term health and productivity of our nation.”
The EPA carefully considered extensive public input as it determined the final standards. It held a virtual public hearing and received about 700,000 written comments before finalising today’s updated air quality standards. Unlike revisions to EU air quality standards, US standards become effective almost immediately (60 days after the notice of final rulemaking in the Federal Register). The EPA starts the process by designating which areas fail to meet the standards, and this work is often completed within two years after new standards are issued. States must develop and submit attainment plans for areas designated as failing to meet the revised primary annual PM2.5 NAAQS no later than 18 months after the EPA finalises designations. For areas that fall moderately short of the standards, these plans must provide for attainment as expeditiously as practicable but no later than the end of the sixth calendar year after designation. Areas that fall further below the standards but are currently working on a plan are given more time to meet the new standards.
The EPA is also modifying the PM2.5 monitoring network with a new criterion that accounts for proximity of populations at increased risk of PM2.5-related health effects to sources of air pollution. This will lead to advanced environmental justice by ensuring localised data collection in overburdened areas. The EPA is also revising the Air Quality Index based on the new evidence.
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/final-reconsideration-national-ambient-...