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EPA Adds New Tool to Help Air Quality Agencies Meet Fine Particle Standards

Release Date: 02/23/2006
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov

(2/23/06) Changing out old woodstoves can help state and local regulators reduce harmful air pollution. EPA has issued a new guidance document outlining how state, local and tribal air quality agencies can use voluntary woodstove changeout programs to help meet national air quality standards for fine particle pollution. Wood smoke, including smoke from woodstoves, contains fine particle pollution, also known as fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. Woodstoves manufactured before 1992 can be a significant source of fine particle pollution in some communities. Air quality agencies implementing voluntary woodstove changeout programs may get a credit of up to six percent of the total emission reductions required to meet or maintain the air quality standards. EPA will review requests for additional credit on a case-by-case basis.

To read the guidance document: epa.gov/woodstoves