The EPA announced on Jan. 17, 2013, a new voluntary clean air program, “PM Advance.” According to a statement from the agency, the program will “help communities continue to meet soot pollution standards, improve air quality and protect public health.”

PM Advance focuses on working with communities to develop strategies for reducing harmful fine particle emissions.

Soot, also known as fine particle pollution (PM_2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and has been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as acute bronchitis and aggravated asthma among children.

On Dec. 14, 2012, the EPA updated the national air quality standards for PM_2.5 by revising the annual standard to 12 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). Updated last in 1997, the revised annual standard will have major economic benefits with comparatively low costs, according to the agency. The EPA estimates health benefits of the revised standard would range from $4 billion to over $9 billion per year.

The PM Advance program is designed to help communities who meet current standards continue to meet the standards. Early work to reduce fine particles, such as PM Advance participation, can be incorporated into required planning.

Through the program, participants will commit to taking specific steps to reduce fine particle pollution, such as putting in place a school bus retrofit program or an air quality action day program, while EPA will supply technical advice, outreach information, and other support.

While federal rules are expected to ensure that most areas meet the new standards, areas can participate in PM Advance to help them remain in attainment.

The steps taken by program participants could:

• Help attainment areas reduce emissions in order to ensure continued health protection,
• Better position areas to remain in attainment, and
• Efficiently direct available resources toward actions to address ozone and fine particle problems quickly.

More information can be found here.