EPA Staff Push Stricter PM2.5 NAAQS Amid Debate Over Annual Measure

摘要

EPA air office staff are advocating for a significant tightening of the agency's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), though the agency and its science advisers continue to wrangle over whether they should focus their efforts on a stricter annual exposure standard or 24-hour standard.rnStaff from EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS) earlier this month released the first external review draft of their policy assessment for an ongoing review of the PM2.5 NAAQS. The paper - which does "not necessarily reflect the views of the EPA," according to the draft - is being circulated to EPA's Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the public for comment as part of the broader review process.