EPA has issued a final rule further outlining steps that state, local, and tribal governments must take to reduce fine particle pollution (PM2.5). The rule describes how to apply the New Source Review (NSR) program at facilities that emit fine particles. EPA's NSR program requires industrial facilities to obtain permits outlining emissions controls for target air pollutants before they begin construction.

The rule affects areas that do not meet the 1997 PM2.5 standards. Those areas must meet the standards by 2010.

This rule complements the agency's PM2.5 final implementation rule issued on April 25, 2007, which addresses the non-NSR provisions of PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. A related rule, proposed on September 21, 2007, would complete the PM2.5 preconstruction review program framework by establishing increments, significant impact levels, and significant monitoring concentrations for EPA's Prevention of Significant Deterioration program. Together, these three rules will establish the framework for implementing the preconstruction permit components of the 1997 PM2.5 air quality standards.