The U.S. leads the world in low particulate matter.
Andrew Wheeler, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, made official a proposal from April to retain the current national standard for fine particulate matter, commonly known as soot.
The agency’s action likely locks in the current standard for months, if not several years, even though scientists at the EPA have said tightening the standards would protect public health.
“The U.S. now has some of the lowest fine particulate matter levels in the world, five times below the global average, six times below the average in China, and lower than the PM levels in France, Germany, and the U.K.,” Wheeler said.
He was joined in his virtual news conference by Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia, a coal-heavy state, that Wheeler said is now meeting federal limits for all six criteria air pollutants for the first time since 1978. The West Virginia officials praised the EPA’s decision to maintain the current soot standards. Oil, chemical, and other industries had also encouraged the EPA to keep the standards where they are.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal agencies as they continue to complete work begun earlier in the administration.
- For government officials who monitor air quality and issues that relate to public health.
- For Administrator Wheeler as he leads the EPA in protecting the environment and human health of America.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Washington Examiner
