EPA’s new rules for soot pollution a win for public health

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today hailed new soot pollution standards released by the Environmental Protection Agency. The new standards put stronger limits on particulate matter, also known as “soot pollution” and are expected to save lives, and reduce risk of air pollution-related disease, like asthma. 

“Soot pollution is a huge threat to our health, especially for people living in low-income communities near power plants,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Today’s new standard will help crack down on dangerous pollution from power plants and clean up our air and water, which will in turn save lives. We commend President Biden and EPA Administrator Reagan for strengthening these important protections for our air.” 

Soot is a dangerous and deadly pollutant that is produced by power plants, vehicle tailpipes, and other industrial sources, and it threatens our health and environment—posing particular risks for children, seniors, communities of color, and people with chronic illness. Some 63 million people in the United States experience unhealthy spikes in daily soot pollution, and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to higher-than-average levels of this dangerous pollutant. 

This standard will improve public health and save lives. One analysis estimates that the new standard will save 16,000 lives, avoid 10,000 ER visits for asthma, and 11,000 instances of asthma for children.