WASHINGTON, DC - President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency today announced its new proposal to tighten national standards for fine particulate matter. EPA has proposed revisions to lower the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to a new standard of 12 to 13 micrograms per cubic meter, and to make certain other revisions to the current standards.
Last week, Energy and Commerce leaders wrote to EPA urging the agency to include retention of its current standards in the proposal. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) issued the following statement in response to EPA’s proposal.
“We are disappointed that EPA did not heed our request to include retention of the current annual standard as an alternative in its proposal. Any change to these regulatory standards could result in significant adverse economic consequences and job losses. Given the weak state of our economy, it is imperative the administration allow for a full and thorough review of all the alternatives, including retention of the current standards.
“Particulate matter standards should be based on a full scientific and economic review, and proper consideration of reasonable alternatives. Before ramming through new standards that could threaten jobs and our economy, we need to be sure of the science and the costs. Overly strict standards could force local economies into non-attainment, stifle economic growth, and lead to further job losses."
