Seventeen AGs Filed Motion to Intervene to Defend EPA Rule that Strengthened Standards for Fine Particulate Matter

APRIL 5, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing a motion to intervene in the D.C. Circuit to defend the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule that strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). The rule was challenged by a coalition of states led by Kentucky. In their motion to intervene, the California-led coalition explained that EPA’s final rule is estimated to prevent “4,500 premature deaths, 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms, and 290,000 lost workdays” in its first year alone, among other significant public health benefits. The AGs argued that they have a compelling interest in defending the rule to protect the health of their states’ residents.