The Trump administration is pushing to roll back Biden-era limits on deadly fine particulate matter, including soot, filing a motion in a DC appeals court to vacate the updated standard.
In 2024, the EPA had strengthened these limits, warning that exposure could lead to strokes, heart attacks, and asthma attacks, with communities of color disproportionately affected by the pollution.
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Industry groups and several states had challenged the stricter regulations, arguing compliance would be costly for manufacturers. The Trump-era EPA has now sided with these petitioners, sparking criticism from environmental and public health advocates.
Critics say weakening the rules threatens public health. Patrice Simms of Earthjustice stated, “Walking away from these clean air standards doesn’t power anything but disease,” highlighting concerns over increased hospital visits and illness.
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The EPA under Biden estimated that stricter standards could save up to $46 billion by 2032, factoring in fewer lost workdays and reduced healthcare costs. Trump’s EPA now proposes reverting standards to the 2020 levels.
EPA regulations require a review of fine-particulate pollution standards every five years. Advocates warn that the rollback could reverse decades of progress in protecting Americans from harmful airborne pollutants.