API Supports EPA’s Final Particulate Matter Standards

The American Petroleum Institute (API) released the following statement Dec. 7 in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final proposal to maintain existing Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is required to review the standards every five years.

The decision follows EPA’s review of the scientific evidence underlying the criterion and is consistent with the recommendation of the agency’s independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which voted 5-1 to retain the current standards.

“Under existing standards, the U.S. has made remarkable progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality,” said Frank Macchiarola, API senior vice president of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs. “Thanks to cleaner fuels and industry action, we have the cleanest air in half a century, and with smart regulations and continued innovation, we can build on this progress while delivering affordable, reliable energy around the world.”

According to EPA, the U.S. has reduced emissions that can contribute to particulate matter—including an 84% drop in sulfur dioxide (SO2), and a 54% decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx)—since 2000. The continued transition to cleaner natural gas in the power sector played an important role in those emissions reductions and is important progress that can endure with continued implementation of existing regulations.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, December 10, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.