EPA Tightens PM2.5 Health NAAQS, But Claims Limited Industry Impacts

EPA has released its final rule tightening fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standards, as expected adopting a tougher annual limit that the agency says will not pose a significant compliance burden for states and industry, but declining to tighten a daily limit aimed at addressing short-term spikes as environmentalists and its advisors had sought. The final rule unveiled Feb. 7, sets the “primary,” or health-based national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5, at 9 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), tougher...