Public Hearings Scheduled on Clean Air Proposal to Strengthen Air Quality Standards for Lead
EPA will hold hearings in Baltimore and St. Louis to provide additional opportunity for members of the public to participate in open comment periods on several proposals to achieve increased health protection for children and other at-risk populations. The hearings, to be held concurrently on June 12, 2008, will specifically solicit public comment on the proposed revisions to EPA’s national air quality standards for lead. EPA announced the proposed rule on May 1, 2008.
EPA is proposing to revise the level of the primary (health-based) standard from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), to within the range of 0.10 µg/m3 to 0.30 µg/m3,
measured as total suspended particulates (TSP). The Agency is taking comment on
alternative levels up to 0.50 µg/m3 and down below 0.10 µg/m3. EPA proposes to revise
the secondary (welfare-based) standard to be identical in all respects to the primary standard.
Individuals may also submit comments electronically, by mail, by facsimile or by hand delivery/courier. EPA will consider written comments submitted during the comment periods with the same weight as oral comments presented during the public hearings.