WPSR EPA Comments on Air Permitting & Public Participation

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) has submitted an official public comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans (SIPs).

Public participation in environmental permitting serves as a critical safeguard for community health, ensuring local residents and health advocates have a voice in decisions that directly impact their air quality.

Why Minor NSR Public Participation Matters for Health Equity

Our letter emphasizes the severe health risks associated with fossil fuel emissions, ranging from respiratory illness to cardiovascular complications, and highlights why robust, accessible public comment requirements are essential for addressing community public health needs. The letter notes:

“The EPA holds, and should exercise, the authority to require public review prior to permitting any polluting sources, including minor sources, through SIPs. Limiting public participation and/or leaving the decision to state and local bodies creates an unaccountable patchwork of rules  and could have devastating effects on the health of countless Americans. This risks leaving vulnerable populations in the dark regarding potential environmental health threats right in their neighborhoods.”

By maintaining strong transparency and public input standards across State Implementation Plans, regulators can better protect vulnerable populations from pollution burden.

Public Health Resources on Air Quality

• Visit the EPA’s page to read the full rule

• Catch up with our Climate and Health Task Force: Visit our Climate page to see more of our latest work.

• Get involved: Interested in engaging, drafting regulatory comments, or testifying on upcoming health and energy issues? Contact our team to join the task force's working groups.

• Track Local Air Quality & Stay Informed

  • Washington Air Quality Map: Maintained by the Washington Department of Ecology, this map tracks real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions across monitoring stations in the state.

  • Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Sensor Map: Displays calibrated, health-based fine particle pollution data across King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

  • EPA AirNow Map: Provides national real-time air quality data, forecasts, and wildfire smoke updates.

  • Catch up on more Air Quality resources from PSR’s National Chapter