EPA to Retain Current Air Quality Standards

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week announced its proposal to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM), including both fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10). The agency said the proposal comes after careful review and consideration of scientific evidence, risk and exposure information.

“The U.S. has made incredible strides in reducing particulate matter concentrations across the nation,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Based on review of the scientific literature and recommendation from our independent science advisors, we are proposing to retain existing PM standards, which will ensure the continued protection of both public health and the environment.”

As a result of Clean Air Act programs and efforts by state, local and tribal governments, as well as technological improvements, average PM2.5 concentrations in the United States fell by 39% between 2000 and 2018, while average PM10 concentrations fell by 31% during the same period.

With this action, the EPA said it is following the principles established in the earliest days of the Trump Administration to streamline the NAAQS review process and to fulfill the statutory responsibility to complete the NAAQS review within a five-year timeframe.

“The United States is a world leader in growing our economy while simultaneously improving air quality. Between 1970 to 2018, air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act have fallen 74% while the US economy has grown by 275%,” said Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), House Natural Resources Committee ranking member. “EPA’s decision to maintain the current National Particulate Matter Standards reflects this fact. Administrator Wheeler and the Administration should be commended for partnering with states, local and tribal governments in improving our air quality while allowing economic growth to continue.”

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