"Republican attorneys general from 24 states said the crackdown on fine industrial particles would raise costs. The E.P.A. said it would save lives."
"Manufacturers and 24 states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday over the Biden administration’s decision to tighten limits on fine industrial particles, one of the most common and deadliest forms of air pollution.
The state lawsuits are led by Republican attorneys general and argue that the E.P.A. overstepped its authority last month when it lowered the annual limits for fine particulate matter to nine micrograms per cubic meter of air, down from the current standard of 12 micrograms.
It was the first time in a decade that the E.P.A. had made it harder for power plants, factories and other polluting facilities to spew fine particulate matter. The tiny particles, known as PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease, asthma and low birth weight.
Michael S. Regan, the E.P.A. administrator, has said the new rule would prevent an estimated 4,500 premature deaths every year, as well as 290,000 lost workdays because of illness. The E.P.A. maintained that the rule also would deliver as much as $46 billion in net health benefits in the first year that the standards are fully implemented."
Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times March 6, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"US Republican States, Industry Groups Challenge EPA's New Soot Pollution Rule" (Reuters)
"Half of US states join GOP lawsuits challenging new EPA rule on deadly soot pollution" (AP)
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