Jackson proposing retention of dusty roads standard
October 17, 2011 | 12:13 PM | Filed in: Environmental Protection Agency
In an action that could have implications for this week’s Senate debate on the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture appropriations bill, Environmental Protection Agency Adminstrator Lisa Jackson wrote that she plans to keep regulations on dust on country roads the same as they are now.
In a letter Friday to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jackson wrote that in EPA’s review of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter, that she plans to “propose the retention — with no revision” of the current standards for dust on country roads when the regulations are sent to the Office of Management Budget.
In the highly technical letter, which was obtained by The Hagstrom Report, Jackson wrote:
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson
“Particulate matter includes fine particles (known as PM2.5) and coarse particles (known as PM10). PM2.5 can come from fossil-fuel combustion, including power plants and motor vehicles, and wildfires and PM10 can come from construction and demolition activities, industrial operations, wildfires, and dust from unpaved roads.
“It is well established that particulate matter emissions are linked to premature death and numerous adverse health impacts. We have been making steady progress in reducing emissions of particulate matter — both fine and coarse — in this country for more than two decades, improving the public health of Americans while the economy has continued to grow. It is important that a standard for particulate matter be protective of the health of the public.
“Based on my consideration of the scientific record, analysis provided by EPA scientists, and advice from the Clean Air Science Advisory Council, I am prepared to propose the retention — with no revision — of the current PM10 standard and form when it is sent to OMB for interagency review. This rulemaking package will also consider the latest scientific evidence and assessments for PM2.5.”
Republicans have repeatedly accused EPA of planning to increase regulation of dust on country roads, and Jackson has said that she does not have such plans.
Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., is expected to offer an amendment on the appropriations bill to stop EPA from offering the amendment. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., has championed the issue in the House. Republicans have said that they do not consider EPA’s assurances strong enough.
Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson said today that the statement should settle concerns about EPA's plans.
"NFU is pleased to see EPA Administrator Jackson provide final clarification for members of Congress and the agriculture community that the agency does not have plans to regulate farm dust," Johnson said.
"Lately, there has been considerable anxiety within the farming community that EPA is going to regulate dust on farms," said Johnson, whose members are Democratic-leaning. "We hope this action finally puts to rest the misinformation regarding dust regulation and eases the minds of farmers and ranchers across the country."
In a letter Friday to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jackson wrote that in EPA’s review of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter, that she plans to “propose the retention — with no revision” of the current standards for dust on country roads when the regulations are sent to the Office of Management Budget.
In the highly technical letter, which was obtained by The Hagstrom Report, Jackson wrote:
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson
“Particulate matter includes fine particles (known as PM2.5) and coarse particles (known as PM10). PM2.5 can come from fossil-fuel combustion, including power plants and motor vehicles, and wildfires and PM10 can come from construction and demolition activities, industrial operations, wildfires, and dust from unpaved roads.
“It is well established that particulate matter emissions are linked to premature death and numerous adverse health impacts. We have been making steady progress in reducing emissions of particulate matter — both fine and coarse — in this country for more than two decades, improving the public health of Americans while the economy has continued to grow. It is important that a standard for particulate matter be protective of the health of the public.
“Based on my consideration of the scientific record, analysis provided by EPA scientists, and advice from the Clean Air Science Advisory Council, I am prepared to propose the retention — with no revision — of the current PM10 standard and form when it is sent to OMB for interagency review. This rulemaking package will also consider the latest scientific evidence and assessments for PM2.5.”
Republicans have repeatedly accused EPA of planning to increase regulation of dust on country roads, and Jackson has said that she does not have such plans.
Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., is expected to offer an amendment on the appropriations bill to stop EPA from offering the amendment. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., has championed the issue in the House. Republicans have said that they do not consider EPA’s assurances strong enough.
Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson said today that the statement should settle concerns about EPA's plans.
"NFU is pleased to see EPA Administrator Jackson provide final clarification for members of Congress and the agriculture community that the agency does not have plans to regulate farm dust," Johnson said.
"Lately, there has been considerable anxiety within the farming community that EPA is going to regulate dust on farms," said Johnson, whose members are Democratic-leaning. "We hope this action finally puts to rest the misinformation regarding dust regulation and eases the minds of farmers and ranchers across the country."
