Overview
On February 7, 2024, the EPA strengthened the US national air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), lowering the primary annual standard from 12 ug/m3 to 9 ug/m3 to improve public health protection. The 24-hour PM2.5 standard remains at 35 ug/m3, while the primary PM10 standard is maintained at 150 ug/m3. However, there are efforts to revert the new lower standard to allow greater PM (and other) emissions.
Review the articles A Cloud of Coal Mine Dust over a West Virginia Community Points to Regulatory Shortcomings and Rethinking Air Quality Regulation. Consider the sources of these articles as you read and feel free to find additional sources.
Part I) Provide a brief summary of the expected benefits of maintaining the new PM 2.5 lower standard at 9 ug/m3?
Part II) Provide a brief summary of the reasons why there is a push to reverse the lower air pollutant standards by various groups.