Opposing Changes to the PM NAAQS

ARTBA sent a letter urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to retain current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). NAAQS compliance is a particularly important issue for the transportation construction sector as counties which do not meet Clean Air Act (CAA) standards can have federal highway funds withheld. These funds are important to areas seeking to improve air quality through transportation improvements which ease congestion. ARTBA cited the following:

• The timing of EPA’s current review of the PM NAAQS is arbitrary.
• EPA’s own data indicate current standards are working.
• Tightening the NAAQS jeopardizes the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act’s (IIJA) investments.