EPA Says 225 Counties Don't Comply With Soot Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency on Dec. 17 said that 225 counties in 20 states and the District of Columbia are failing to comply with federal rules regulating the smallest particles of dust and soot EPA's rule for the first time governs microscopic particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter, or less than a fraction of the width of a human hair.
The states that aren't "in attainment" must issue a final state implementation plan (SIP) by 2008 to show how they will reduce pollution, including emissions from wood-burning stoves, off-road diesel engines and factories.