PREVIEW

EPA Announces New Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter. On February 7, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule aimed at significantly reducing levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. ABC reports that the EPA updated the national air-quality standards, citing the known negative health impacts of exposure to PM. ABC reports that the EPA's previous annual standard was set at 12 micrograms of PM per cubic meter of air, while the latest update lowers that to 9 micrograms. The EPA's 24-hour standard, which accounts for short-term spikes in pollution, will remain at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Responses to the new rules have been mixed, with environmental and health groups praising the decision. "Today's action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution." "The science is clear, soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and it's linked to a range of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks." Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC. On the other hand, industry groups have reportedly signaled that it will hamper manufacturing and eliminate jobs in the United States. Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, called the EPA's decision "a step forward for public health," but still not enough. "It is disappointing that EPA did not follow the strong science-based recommendations of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and the health community to also revise the 24-hour standard to more fully protect public health.", Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, via ABC. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT