The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Chellie Pingree, and Katie Porter, and Chair Emeritus Rep. Gerry Connolly, released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizing a new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particle pollution.

"The more we learn about the impacts of air pollution, the clearer the picture becomes of the deadly toll it takes on our communities. EPA's new standard for fine particle pollution is a critical step towards cleaning up the air our communities breathe and unlocking the economic growth that comes from healthier and safer communities.

"EPA's rule reflects strong scientific evidence demonstrating that protecting communities from harmful air pollution has huge benefits for public health and the economy. Strengthening the primary annual NAAQS for fine particle pollution to 9 ug/m³ will substantially reduce the risk of air pollution-related mortality - particularly for communities of color and low-income communities. The new standard is expected to prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths each year, recover 290,000 lost workdays per year, and result in $46 billion in net health benefits in 2032.

"In following the science, the Biden Administration is continuing the Clean Air Act's 50-year legacy of cutting pollution, saving American lives, and growing our economy."