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The EPA’s overly stringent final rule on particulate matter puts continued U.S. innovation and economic growth in jeopardy, the 17�Թ����� and allied groups congressional leaders Monday.

What’s going on: In February, the EPA lowered the standard for particulate matter, or PM2.5, in its National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule by 25%, down from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to nine.

• This week, the 17�Թ�����, along with 58 allied organizations, urged key House and Senate members to act soon to “stop this harmful rule before it takes effect.”

​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċWhy it’s important: The probable negative effects of allowing the change include “making it more difficult to create jobs, build cutting-edge factories and lead the world in the development of products that will shape modern life in the decades ahead,” the groups said.

• Compliance costs could exceed $1.8 billion, according to the agency’s own estimates.
• The lowered limit also puts the U.S. at a great disadvantage to global competitors, which “have adopted standards that are less stringent than the EPA rule and are phased in over a much longer time frame.”

What needs to happen: Congress should pass a resolution of disapproval regarding the new standard immediately.