The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to retain the current daily standard and revoke the annual standard on coarse particle pollution caused from traffic, construction, demolition, mining and other industries. The action drew criticism from two sides--the utility industry and manufacturers say the agency's regulation is too tough and environmental groups contend the rule isn't strict enough.
Under the final rule, which EPA announced on Sept. 21, an area will meet the new 24-hour standard for coarse particles--known as PM10--when it does not exceed a level of 150 micrograms per cubic meter more than once a year during a three-year period.