Feb 7, 2024 – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule strengthening the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM 2.5), also known as soot pollution.
C40 welcomed the new standards, noting that lowering the NAAQS for PM2.5 limit enables state and local action to reduce emissions across various sources that would contribute to less PM2.5 pollution.
Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities, said: “Today’s EPA rule will cut pollution and protect the health of millions of Americans, including city residents that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution. For years, cities have led the way in reducing air pollution by electrifying cars and buses, promoting walking and transit, and tackling industrial sources of emissions in urban areas. But cities alone cannot address all the sources of dangerous soot pollution. The EPA’s new soot pollution standards will improve life for urban residents, from preventing sickness and death to increasing economic productivity. C40 Cities thanks President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan for ensuring all Americans can breathe cleaner air.”