The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and its allies have criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule on particulate matter, stating that it could hinder U.S. innovation and economic growth. In March, the EPA reduced the standard for particulate matter (PM2.5) in its National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule by 25%, from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to nine.
This week, the NAM and 58 allied organizations called on key House and Senate members to take action to prevent this harmful rule from taking effect. They warned that the negative consequences of the change could make it harder to create jobs, build advanced factories, and maintain a leading position in global product development.
Compliance costs for the new standard could surpass $1.8 billion, according to the EPA’s estimates. Additionally, the U.S. would be at a disadvantage compared to international competitors who have less stringent standards that are phased in over a longer period. To address this issue, Congress should immediately pass a resolution of disapproval regarding the new particulate matter standard. This action is crucial to safeguarding U.S. competitiveness and economic growth in the long term.
