EPA Eases Exceptional Event Waivers To Meet PM2.5 Limit Amid Fire Threat

EPA is moving to ease states’ use of “exceptional events” waivers to cope with the impact of wildfire smoke as they seek to attain its tougher federal limit for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), crafting tools to help exempt fire-driven air quality data from compliance and support an expansion of “prescribed fire” to prevent uncontrolled blazes. The new annual national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for PM2.5 set at 9 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) will create implementation challenges for states...