The EPA is mandating stricter standards on a major air pollutant, PM2.5.
In a statement this week the EPA announced PM2.5 new standard will be 9 micrograms per cubic meter of the previous 12 micrograms per cubic meter.
EPA calling this life-changing. A change that we need to happen fast in Houston.
PM2.5 is all around us in Houston from car emissions to refineries, the microscope pollutant is linked to health issues with some neighborhoods suffering more than others. KPRC 2 spoke with Air Alliance’s executive director Jennifer Hadayia who said “Though air pollution doesn’t know what zip code it’s in, the sources of air pollution know what zip code they’re in.”
Hadayia points out a stark contrast in life expectancy across Houston: “In the Houston area, you can see life expectancy differences from the west side to the east side of our community by up to 20 years, and they are all connected to these environments.”
The new EPA regulation with be good for everyone -- Hadayia calling it a public health success story for the City of Houston. However, she recognizes it will take work from local government agencies, corporations, and the entire community to lower PM2.5 in the next eight years.