Asking the EPA to Review Ambient Air Quality Standards

March 5, 2025

In a letter organized by the American Lung Association, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) wrote to the Administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lay out key asks surrounding the Clean Air Act.

Signed by 17 health-focused organizations, the letter highlights the Clean Air Act’s requirements for the EPA to regularly review air quality standards based on the latest scientific research. It emphasizes the necessity of aligning National Ambient Air Quality Standards with current science to ensure optimal public health protection, particularly for ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

All signing organizations emphasize the importance of ensuring scientific integrity, diversity of expertise, and the independence of these advisory bodies to maintain rigorous, science-based air quality standards. As such, the letter urges the EPA to prioritize appointing health science experts to the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and pollutant-specific panels.

Read the full letter.

Past CHEST advocacy content surrounding environmental issues:

• Tackling the Massive Threat of Climate Change: How clinicians can—and should—take an active role in matters of environmental justice
• Raising Concern for the Impact of Climate Change on Pulmonary Health
• Amicus Brief in Nebraska v EPA
• Amicus Brief in Kentucky v EPA
• Letter to EPA on Pending California Clean Air Programs