EPA reduces national fine dust air quality standard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated Particulate Matter 2.5 (fine dust) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), now set at 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m).

Last set in 2012 at 12.0 ug/m, the new standard (assuming it withstands litigation) will have substantial impact across a wide swath of industry, as state environmental agencies look at their air quality attainment status over the next few years. While EPA’s map illustrates that most counties already meet the revised standard, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s map, among others, illustrates otherwise.

Similar to prior changes in other national air quality standards, NAPA encourages its members to review these documents to have a better understanding of how their facility locations might be impacted.