Seventeen AGs Challenged EPA Decision to Leave Inadequate Particulate Matter Air Quality Standards in Place
JANUARY 13, 2021
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing a petition for review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to leave inadequate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) in place, despite significant and growing evidence that the existing standards are insufficiently protective of public health. Particulate matter pollution is believed to be the most harmful environmental health risk factor in the United States, linked to an estimated 45,000 premature deaths annually, and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color. The City of New York, the California Air Resources Board and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment joined the AGs in filing the petition for review.
- Documents: Petition for ReviewCA Press Release
- Document Type: Petitions Press Releases/Statements
- States: California Connecticut Delaware Illinois Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Jersey New York Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Virginia Washington Wisconsin
- Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency
- Issues: Clean Air & Climate Clean Air Act Environmental Justice Public Health Toxics
- Era: Trump Administration
- Outcome: Pending
- Action Type: Litigation