New York Times: New Particulate Pollution Standards Ignore Science

The New York Times today slammed the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stephen Johnson, for ignoring science when recommending new pollution standards for fine particle pollution. Fine particule pollution, which consists of particles 2.5 microns in diameter or less, or 1/28 the size of a human hair, contribute to as many as 64,000 deaths every and cost this country billionsof dollars.

Johnson ignored the recommendations of his own scientists and refused to set an annual limit of fine particle pollution at 12-13 micrograms per cubic meter. Instead, he recommended retaining the current standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter, a decision that has since drawn further scientific criticism. The decision could cost as much as $50 billion annually in health care and other costs and puts the health of Rocky Mountain communities at greater risk. Most disturbingly, the decision puts politics ahead of science and the health of our children.

Citizens now have no other recourse except to challenge the new fine particle standards in court. For the sake of the health of our communities, hopefully the courts will see through the politics and uphold the science.