Seventeen AGs Submitted Comments Urging EPA to Adopt Stronger Particulate Matter Standards

MARCH 28, 2023

California Attorney General Rob Bonta led 17 attorneys general in filing comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on the agency to strengthen its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter under the Clean Air Act. Particulate matter (PM), a type of air pollution consisting of fine solid particles and liquid droplets, is linked with a wide range of human health issues. The coalition urged EPA to update the standards to protect human health, especially in communities that are disproportionately exposed to PM.

In February 2024, EPA announced a stronger NAAQS for fine particulate matter. AG Bonta released the following statement: “Today’s announcement is a major victory for environmental justice. Across California and beyond, too many people suffer from the high levels of particulate matter pollution in their neighborhoods. The Biden Administration, simply by recognizing that fact, has taken a key step that will support states in their efforts to clean up their air and protect the public, especially overburdened communities.”