The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected recommendations from an independent panel of scientists and environmental groups to tighten air quality standards for particulate matter—both fine and coarse particles of such pollutants as soot, smoke, and dust—because the agency says the current standards are satisfactory for ensuring adequate protection of public health and the environment.
National Air Quality standards, typically reviewed every five years and often strengthened over time, can potentially restrict construction development in areas that are deemed to be “out-of-attainment” with the standards.