EPA finalizes rule requiring states slash particle pollution

March 30 --

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule outlining requirements for states developing plans to clean the air in the 39 areas of the country where particle pollution levels do not meet national air quality standards.

Under the Clean Air Act, states must develop plans by April 2008 for meeting the 1997 air quality standards for fine particles. The Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule finalized on March 29 includes detailed guidance that interprets the Clean Air Act´s requirements for the plans.

States must meet the fine particle standard by 2010. However, in their implementation plans due next year, states may propose an attainment extension of as long as five years, according to the finalized rule.

Common sources of fine particle pollution include automobile and truck exhaust and emissions from coal-burning power plants.

The rule addresses issues including guidelines for determining whether sources have adopted all reasonably available control measures.

According to the EPA, introduction of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, new clean diesel trucks and buses, the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule and the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce pollution from power plants in the eastern United States will help all areas of the country meet the particle pollution standards.

Details about the newly finalized rule and particle pollution are available on the EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/pmdesignations .