EPA says new air quality revisions will slash industry costs, health risks

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday issued final revisions to a 2010 air quality rule, saying the changes would reduce costs associated with the regulations while also protecting public health.

The revisions stem from settlement agreements reached between the agency and industry groups that mounted a legal challenge following release of the original rule.

The rule imposes air pollution standards for engines used in agriculture, at power plants and other industrial facilities.

As compared with the original regulations, the revisions would save an estimated $287 million in capital costs and an additional $139 million annually, the agency said.

At the same time, the rule will improve air quality by reducing pollutants known to cause cancer and other serious health effects. The EPA estimates the regulations would cut 2,800 tons per year of hazardous pollutants, 36,000 tons of carbon monoxide, 9,600 tons of nitrogen oxides and 36,000 tons of volatile organic compounds.

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