EPA Soot Pollution Standards
Act Now! Comment period open until March 28, 2023

Overview
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On January 27, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an updated soot pollution standard. This begins an important comment period for Americans to make clear we need much stronger soot pollution limits than this proposed standard. While the EPA proposed strengthening the standard, the proposal it released does not go nearly far enough and fails to meet the recommendations of the agency’s own scientific advisory panel. These standards haven’t been updated since 2012 and it’s time for President Biden’s EPA—led by Administrator Michael Regan—to set the strongest science-based soot pollution standards (no higher than 8 mcg/m3 annual and 25 mcg/m3 daily), to ensure cleaner air for families, advance environmental justice, and protect our health, because a healthy economy starts with a healthy society.

Below are talking points from ASBN which can be used in support of this effort.
  • A healthy economy starts with a healthy society
  • Exposure to, and inhalation of, soot leads to increased hospitalizations and visits to the ER causing more employees to miss work.
  • Exposure to, and inhalation of, soot is linked to grave illnesses and health risks including asthma attacks, heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, COPD and Parkinson’s disease keeping those affected out of the workforce.
  • Soot causes haze, which can severely diminish visibility and mar beautiful vistas in our national parks and other scenic areas. While the loss of breathtaking scenery is significant, haze creates serious economic harm to the tourism and outdoor recreation industries.
  • The health and well-being impacts of exposure to soot lead to overall less productive workers across industries.

Please see the below drafted letter. We ask that supporters for higher soot pollution standards sign on below for their comment to be sent directly to the EPA. You may keep the letter as is, add additional comments, or write your own in the space provided. The deadline for public comment is March 28th, 2023.

Questions? Contact Michael Green, ASBN Director of Climate & Energy Policy, mgreen@asbnetwork.org

The American Sustainable Business Network’s mission is to inform, connect, and mobilize business leaders and investors to transform the public and private sectors toward a just and sustainable economy. Learn more.

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