U.S. EPA Releases Final Revision of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the release of a final revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). This revision focuses on the primary annual standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sets the allowed concentration of the pollutant in the outdoor air averaged over a year at 9 µg/m3. The rest of the standards for particulate matter remain unchanged. The revision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to provide better protection for public health as mandated by Congress and required by statute. The Clean Air Act mandates periodic reviews of the NAAQS by the EPA.
Strengthening Public Health Protection
The decision to revise the PM2.5 annual standard to 9 µg/m3 is a significant step toward improving public health protection across the country and addressing disparities in health impacts among different populations. This standard is similar to Canada’s standard of 8.8 µg/m3. However, based on the recommendation of a majority of EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, it is believed that a primary PM2.5 annual standard of 8 µg/m3 and a daily standard of 25 µg/m3 would provide better protection for public health from both typical and peak concentrations of PM2.5 and ensure an adequate margin of safety. John Graham, Senior Scientist at Clean Air Task Force, emphasized the importance of these standards in protecting public health.
Understanding Fine Particulate Matter
Fine particulate matter is emitted by various sources, including combustion sources such as cars, trucks, power plants, and industrial polluters. The Clean Air Act requires the primary NAAQS to be set at a level that protects public health with an adequate margin of safety for sensitive populations and considers scientific uncertainty without considering cost. Additionally, secondary NAAQS must be set to protect public welfare, including visibility improvement. The standards must be based on the latest scientific knowledge, and EPA is not allowed to consider projected costs of achieving the standards.
Projected Benefits and Funding Opportunities
EPA’s analysis indicates that the projected net benefits of implementing this standard in the coming years could reach up to $46 billion per year by 2032. These benefits include avoiding 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms, 2,000 hospital visits, and 4,500 premature deaths. The recent passage of federal legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, has created opportunities to improve air quality nationwide and make compliance with air quality standards more economically feasible. These acts provide significant funding to support the deployment of technologies that can reduce various types of air pollution.
Supporting Environmental Justice
The implementation of NAAQS is crucial for achieving the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. It also plays a vital role in promoting environmental justice, which is a priority for the Biden administration. Hayden Hashimoto, Attorney at Clean Air Task Force, expressed support for the improved standard and urged the EPA to take prompt action in implementing it.
Press Contact
Samantha Sadowski, Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding against the worst impacts of climate change by promoting the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With over 25 years of expertise in climate policy and a commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with innovative ideas to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually worldwide. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This revision aims to improve public health protection and reduce air pollution, which is directly related to SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being. It also mentions the Clean Air Act, which sets standards to protect public welfare and improve visibility, connecting to SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additionally, reducing air pollution contributes to SDG 13 on Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the revision of air quality standards to protect public health, aiming to reduce illnesses and deaths caused by air pollution, which aligns with SDG 3.9. It also emphasizes the importance of improving air quality in communities, which contributes to SDG 11.6. Additionally, addressing air pollution is a climate change measure, supporting SDG 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air (µg/m³)
- Number of cases of asthma symptoms
- Number of hospital visits related to air pollution
- Number of premature deaths prevented
The article mentions the revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM), specifically PM2.5. The concentration of PM2.5 in outdoor air (measured in µg/m³) is an indicator that can be used to measure progress towards reducing air pollution and achieving the identified targets. The article also mentions the projected benefits of implementing the revised standard, including the avoidance of asthma symptoms, hospital visits, and premature deaths, which can serve as indicators to measure progress.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air (µg/m³) – Number of cases of asthma symptoms – Number of hospital visits related to air pollution – Number of premature deaths prevented |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air (µg/m³) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air (µg/m³) |
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Source: catf.us
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