US EPA sets stricter air quality standards

In a significant environmental move, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised air pollution standards to combat deadly industrial emissions.

Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.

In short:

The EPA has reduced the acceptable level of fine particulate matter in the air, aiming to lower health risks like asthma and heart disease.
This new regulation is expected to prevent 4,500 premature deaths annually, though it faces opposition from industry leaders concerned about economic impacts.
States have 18 months to comply with the new standard, with potential penalties for non-compliance by 2032.

Key quote:

"Soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution."

— Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator.

Why this matters:

This move by the Biden administration directly impacts communities, particularly those near industrial areas, by potentially reducing serious health issues and premature deaths.

Health advocates pushed the EPA to go farther on soot standards.

www.nytimes.com

US EPA sets stricter air quality standards

The energy boom is coming for Great Lakes water

Snowpack has not improved in Nevada or the West

Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea

Researchers find a way to make airplanes fly on landfill gas

Growing evidence points to link between autism and wildfire smoke

As the Trump EPA prepares to revoke key legal finding on climate change, what happens next?

European chemical giants plot to weaken EU’s flagship climate policy

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.