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EPA Extends Public Comment on Implementing Proposed Particle Standards

Release Date: 04/05/2006
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(4/5/06) EPA is announcing a 90-day extension to the public comment period for its proposal on how best to implement any new standards that may result from the recently proposed revisions to the particulate matter air quality standards. EPA proposed revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter on Jan. 17, 2006. The comment period for the proposed revisions to the NAAQS for particulate matter has not changed and will close on April 17, 2006. On Feb. 9, 2006, EPA proposed an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on implementing the possible new standards.

Since publication of the Feb. 9 notice, EPA has received several requests for additional time to submit comments on the implementation proposal. Therefore, the public comment period is being extended for 90 days and will now end on July 10, 2006, rather than on April 10, 2006.

The purpose of the notice is to assure the public that EPA is aware of and is considering the multiple issues associated with implementing potential revised standards for fine particle pollution and new standards for coarse particles while recognizing that no final decision has been made whether or how to revise the current particulate matter standards. The notice announces that the agency will seek comment on key implementation issues to ensure that all points of view are considered by EPA.

Additional information on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking: epa.gov/air/particlepollution/actions.html

Information on particle pollution: www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution