Senate republicans call on EPA to rescind new air quality standards for particulate matter

A group of Senate Republicans, led by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind the recently finalized rule for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Particulate matter is microscopic matter caused by smoke, soot, and other forms of pollution that can be inhaled and cause health problems.

“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,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, following the release of the standards.

However, the Republican lawmakers said the economic ramifications of the new NAAQS will “far exceed” any emissions reductions the EPA hopes to obtain from implementation.

“According to an Oxford Economics report, the finalized standards will cripple domestic manufacturing, with declines of more than $160 billion in economic activity and approximately 850,000 jobs put at risk. In addition, areas of nonattainment would experience billions in further damage due to reduced economic output, job opportunities, and tax revenues. Indirectly, the new PM2.5 standard will weaken U.S. supply chains, undermine the affordability and reliability of the electric grid, and leave behind the many rural communities that rely on agriculture and forestry production, paper mills, mining, aggregate materials, and other areas of domestic manufacturing to employ their residents and sustain their local economies,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Regan.

The lawmakers urge the EPA to rescind the rule.

The American Forest & Paper Association, Forest Resources Association, Hardwood Federation, Forest Landowners Association, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, National Mining Association, Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council, American Chemistry Council, American Petroleum Institute, Southern Group of State Foresters, American Wood Council, and National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association all voiced their support for the senators call to rescind.

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