The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently promulgated new emission standards for particulate pollutants smaller than 2.5 microns in size (PM-2.5.) Previous EPA rulemaking activity had addressed particulate matter emissions in terms of both total particulates and those particulates smaller than 10 microns in size (PM-10.). This latest EPA particulate rulemaking effort leaves many unanswered questions, in particular, questions concerning ambient levels of PM-2.5. EPA is currently attempting to document the PM-2.5 ambient levels and is addressing calls for additional research by establishing five particulate matter research centers. Industries handling solid materials, such as the grain handling industry, and industries making use of a combustion process, such as the electric power generation industry, are particularly concerned with meeting the new EPA PM-2.5 standards. The grain handling industry transports a large percentage of the approximately 15 trillion bushels of grain produced in the U.S. each year with dust being generated at each transfer point. The grain industry's concerns with the new PM-2.5 standards center on the problems the industry may encounter due to measuring or documenting the emission levels, the costs incurred due to increased utility prices and the uncertainty in how states may implement the new emission standards. The implementation of the standards through state implementation plans may be delayed or prevented by ongoing legal challenges to the rules.
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