What to know about the new EPA rule on air pollution
ABC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The EPA has introduced a new rule that stops assigning a dollar value to the health benefits of reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone pollution due to uncertainties in estimating those benefits, though it will continue to quantify emissions.
- Environmental groups and health experts warn this change could lead to increased pollution and harmful health effects, particularly impacting low-income and minority communities who already face higher exposure and health risks.
- The decision marks a departure from decades of EPA practice, which used economic valuation of health benefits to inform air quality regulations and has been credited with reducing pollution-related illnesses and deaths.
- Critics argue the move undermines rigorous cost-benefit analyses essential for setting effective pollution limits and accuse the EPA of prioritizing industry interests over public health.
