PM Rule Revives Congressional Debate Over Air Permits, NAAQS Process

EPA’s release of a tougher federal air limit for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has revived debate over air permitting and standard-setting amid worsening pollution from wildfires and other non-industrial sources, as House Republicans and industry warn of permitting “gridlock” and again push draft legislation to discourage further tightening of limits. At a Feb. 15 hearing, the House Energy and Commerce environment subcommittee probed the implementation costs and potential obstacles to industrial activity raised by EPA’s decision to tighten the PM2.5...