BACKGROUND: 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.
Email: [email protected]
(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)
Photo credit: Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Lighthouse Field State Beach, Santa Cruz, Calif. Ron Wolf.
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