Court blocks EPA's attempt to scrap stricter soot pollution rules

A federal appeals court has blocked the EPA from abandoning a 2024 rule on soot pollution. The decision was announced on Friday and keeps stricter limits on fine particle pollution in place. Environmental groups have welcomed the ruling as a win for public health. The 2024 rule sets an annual limit of 9 micrograms of fine particle pollution per cubic metre of air. It targets emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. The EPA had attempted to drop the rule after Republican-led states and business groups filed a lawsuit.

The Natural Resources Defense Council criticised the delay in implementing the rule. It stated that millions of Americans are still breathing unsafe levels of soot as a result. The NRDC also urged the EPA to stop delaying and enforce the Clean Air Act’s clean air requirements.

Earthjustice described the 2024 standard as a major step forward for public health. Under the Biden administration, the EPA estimated the tighter limits would prevent 800,000 asthma cases, 2,000 hospital visits, and 4,500 premature deaths. An EPA spokeswoman argued the rule would cost citizens hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars. The court’s decision maintains the stricter pollution standards for now. Environmental groups see it as a rebuke to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The ruling ensures the 2024 soot limits remain active while the legal dispute continues.