WHAT CONSIDERATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR POSSIBLE NEW FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR PARTICULATE MATTER AND OZONE?
In light of new epidemiological and other health data, the U.S. EPA is currently reevaluating the federal standards for particulate matter and ozone. At this time it is highly probable that new standards will be promulgated in 1997. For ozone, it is likely that the current 1-hour standard will be replaced by an 8-hour standard. For particulate matter, it is likely that a new fine particulate standard (PM2.5) will be established for both a short-term (24-hour) and long-term (annual) averaging period. It is also probable that a form of the current PM10 standards will be retained. This Plan does not have to address these possible future standards. Forthcoming U.S. EPA policies will establish the timelines, as required under the CAA, to meet any new standards. However, the District is cognizant of these developments, and, as part of the air quality modeling, is providing comparative information regarding the current attainment strategies relative to the potential new standards. Generally,
