Pallone Applauds Biden Administration Decision to Strengthen Air Quality Standards for Fine Particulate Matter

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement today that it will strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5:

“Fine particulate matter poses serious and significant health risks to our communities every day, including increased rates of heart disease and respiratory impacts. Even short-term exposure for hours or days can cause aggravated asthma attacks, acute bronchitis, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

“This pollution is dangerous, and Americans have a right to clean, safe air. I applaud the Biden EPA for fighting to protect that right with a stronger, health-based standard. Today’s announcement is a welcome return to pollution standards rooted in science, and it makes good on the Biden Administration’s commitment to putting the American people – not corporate special interests – first. EPA has both the authority and the obligation to protect Americans from dangerous air pollution, and I look forward to the tremendous health benefits this rule will bring to communities across the country.”

###