EPA Air Official Predicts Push For Strict PM NAAQS But Doubts Feasibility

摘要

AUSTIN, TX-A top EPA air official is predicting some stakeholders will push for significantly ramping down the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ambient air standard from the current limit of 12 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) to as low as 5 ug/m3 as part of EPA's ongoing review of the limit, but is suggesting such a standard might be technically impossible.Clint Woods, deputy assistant administrator in the Office of Air & Radiation, told the Texas Environmental Superconference here Aug. 2 that there will be a "robust" debate over the future of the PM2.5 standard, which the agency last tightened in 2012 down from the 2006 standard of 15 ug/m3.The Clean Air Act mandates that EPA review its six national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), including the limits for ozone and PM2.5, every five years, though the agency has often missed that statutory deadline. The Trump administration is making an effort to overhaul and accelerate the NAAQS reviews, and recently predicted that it could complete the PM2.5 standard review by December 2020.