EPA's New Standards for "Soot" Pollution

 

On June 15th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, or “soot” pollution. Soot pollution is the deadliest of the common air pollutants, causing hundreds of thousands of premature deaths every year across the country through a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. It also contributes to haze that hangs over many of the country’s cities and most scenic parks and wilderness areas. Sources of soot pollution include power plants and diesel trucks and buses. EPA is required to update these standards periodically to reflect the latest scientific research regarding how much pollution can be in the air, with the air still safe to breathe.

 

If an area is found to have levels of pollution that exceed the NAAQS, they are said to be in “nonattainment” and local and state agencies are then required to develop a plan to reduce pollution levels through various pollution control measures. An overview of the proposed standard can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pm/2012/fsoverview.pdf 

 

EPA is proposing to strengthen the NAAQS for fine particulate matter pollution to between 12 and 13 micrograms per cubic meter, as compared to the existing standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter that has been in place since 1997. EPA estimates that this will save thousands of lives and result in an annual national savings of $2.3 billion to $5.9 billion in medical expenses, at a cost of only $69 million in air cleanup costs.

 

 

The public comment period for the EPA’s proposed new standards for soot pollution ends August 31st. Tell them you strongly support the new NAAQS for fine particulates of 12 micrograms per cubic meter. Cleaner air will improve the environment, keep us healthier, save thousands of lives, and cut America's medical bills by billions of dollars every year.

 

Email: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov
     (put docket number in subject line: EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0492)

 

Fax: 202-566-9744

 

Mail (must arrive by 8/31/12):

EPA Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0492
EPA Mail Code 6102T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW,

Washington, DC 20460
(include 2 copies of your letter)

 

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Photo credit:  Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Lighthouse Field State Beach, Santa Cruz, Calif.  Ron Wolf.