ARTBA Reiterates Opposition to EPA Proposal Modifying Air Quality Standard

What happened: ARTBA and industry allies Sept. 7 filed additional comments opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter. ARTBA filed initial comments opposing the plan March 28.

Why it matters: The NAAQ standard sets permissible levels for common air pollutants and is regulated by states and more commonly counties. If pollution from a particular project is above the levels set by the standard, specific actions must be taken to reduce them. Compliance is important because local governments not meeting this standard can have federal highway funds withheld. EPA’s latest proposal lowers the current standard from a level of 12 to a level of between 9 and 10.

What’s next: EPA will determine whether or not to lower the limit and publish a new standard before the end of 2023.