The EPA on Friday released its proposed new rule to impose stricter air-quality standards by reducing the amount of potentially health-damaging soot particles released by diesel trucks, industrial plants, wood-burning stoves and other sources from the currently allowable 15 micrograms per cubic meter to between 12 and 13 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA will accept public comment on the rule before issuing its final decision in December.
The move had long been called for by enviromental advocates and 11 states, which filed a lawsuit in February to force the EPA to make a decision. The Obama Administration had reportedly wanted to wait until after the election to revise the rules.
