The Biden administration has finalized regulations tightening restrictions on fine particulate matter emissions, aiming to improve public health by reducing pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims the new rules will prevent premature deaths and yield significant health benefits, but industry associations warn of economic consequences, citing potential job losses and economic impacts.
The regulations are more stringent than those of other countries, and industry representatives argue that the focus should be on reducing non-industrial emissions.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “Today’s action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution.”
“The science is clear. Soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and is linked to a range of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks,” he continued.
“The stronger standard is designed to ensure clear, routine pathways for industry to continue to upgrade and build while maintaining cleaner, healthier air. We know that cleaner air and a strong and bustling economy go hand in hand,” affirmed the administrator.
Some Democrats also express concerns about the rapid implementation of the regulations without sufficient transition periods.
Abigail Dillen, the president of the left-wing eco group Earthjustice said, “The Biden administration is taking life-saving action to protect people and rein in deadly pollution.”
“This federal standard will ensure that states respond to the ongoing public health and environmental justice crisis, saving thousands of lives and avoiding 800,000 asthma symptom cases every year,” she continued.
Marty Durbin, the senior vice president for policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, “Tightening the NAAQS PM2.5 standard will grind permits to a halt for a large portion of our country.”
“EPA’s new rule is expected to put 569 counties out of compliance and push many others close to the limit, which threatens economic growth,” he continued.
He warned that “Compliance with the new standard will be very difficult because 84% of emissions now come from non-industrial sources like wildfires and road dust that are costly and hard to control. While EPA states there are exemptions for wildfires, 70% of those requests haven’t been granted in the past, and the process for seeking one is time-consuming and difficult for states to manage.”
Read Also:
Nikki Haley Admits Why She Feels ‘Stupid’ On Campaign Trail
Hot Mic Slip Exposes MSNBC Host’s True Views On Biden
