As part of the nationwide effort to improve air quality, EPA is proposing the steps that state, local and tribal governments can take to reduce fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in areas that do not meet EPA's health-based standards.

"In our steady march toward cleaner air, EPA continues to provide communities with the tools to address their air quality needs," EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said. "New clean air rules will reduce pollution from power plants, industrial facilities, and on- and off-road vehicles and equipment. As these rules take effect over the next decade, EPA projects that air quality will improve across the country, helping to ensure that all Americans can work, exercise and play in cleaner, healthier air."

The proposed rule, known as the PM2.5 Implementation Rule, describes the planning framework and requirements for state, local and tribal governments to consider when developing their plan to reduce air pollution to meet the PM2.5 standards. Areas meeting the standard must show how they will ensure that PM2.5 levels remain below the standards.

Reducing fine particle pollution is a critical element of the Administration's comprehensive national clean air strategy and will result in deep and sustained reductions in air pollution. The strategy includes EPA's recent Clean Diesel Program to reduce pollution from highway, nonroad and stationary diesel engines, the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce pollution from power plants in the eastern United States, and the Clean Air Visibility Rule.

EPA issued the PM2.5 standards in 1997, and in December 2004 designated areas as attainment or nonattainment with the standard. Nonattainment areas must meet the standards by 2010.