Smog & Soot: National Standards Review & Revision

Case Overview

This 2003 lawsuit set the stage for limits on smog pollution from power plants and other sources. We negotiated deadlines with the Environmental Protection Agency to propose standards for ozone, a precursor to smog, by June 20, 2007. The EPA’s weak protections mean more pollution for our cities and neighborhoods.

Case Updates

Children from across the U.S. wrote letters to the Biden administration to share why they need clean air.
February 21, 2024 video

To: The Biden Administration. From: Kids

Celia, Cymone, Jonathan, and many other kids from across the United States shared with the Biden administration why they need clean air. On Feb. 7, 2024, the Biden administration answered — with new protections from the deadly air pollutant soot that will prevent nearly a million asthma episodes and save thousands of lives.

January 16, 2024 Document

Community Letter on PM 2.5 Standards (Jan 2024)

Earthjustice and community groups across the country once again call for you to finalize a substantial strengthening of EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate mater pollution (PM 2.5), also known as soot.

July 12, 2017 Document

Motion for Summary Vacatur Ozone delay

Health and Environmental Groups Sue EPA Over Its Delay of Clean Air Protections for Millions