UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor ofNew York State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: 

# DEC 1 82014
THE ADMINISTRATOR

I am writing to summarize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recent action to address fine particle pollution in your state. As required by the Clean Air Act, the EPA has determined which areas are meeting the national ambient air quality standards for fine particle pollution and which areas must take steps to reduce emissions that contribute to violations ofthe standard. On December 14,2012, the EPA strengthened the annual, health-based fine particle standard from 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter**(~-tg/m )**  to 12.0 J.Lg/m3

. Thousands ofscientific studieshave linked exposure to these tiny particles--approximately 1130th the size ofa human hair-with serious human health problems including premature death inpeople withheart and lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, and increased hospital admissions and doctor and emergency room visits for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. I appreciate the information you and your staffhave shared with the EPA throughout this process to assess fine particle pollution levels in communities across your state and the impact ofemission sources that could be contributingto unhealthy air. After considering your recommendations, reviewing the most recent certified fine particle air quality data for your state and evaluatingfactors to assess contribution to nearby levels offine particle pollution, I have determined that no area withinNew York violates the 2012 standard or contributes to a nearby violation ofthe standard. As a result, the EPA is designating all ofNew York "unclassifiable/attainment." Because air quality monitoring for 2014 is nearly complete, ifa state ortribe requests it, the EPA will evaluate the status ofan area based on its annual fine particle monitoring data for 2012-2014. Ifyou would like the EPA to re-evaluate any areas within your state, please submit to the EPA, complete, quality-assured and certified air quality data for 2014 by February 27, 2015. The EPA shares responsibility with the states and tribes for managing particle pollution levels. Efforts by states and tribes t o attain the 1997 and 2006 fine particle pollution standards are already working to reduce unhealthy levels offine particlepollution. In addition, current and upcoming federal standards and safeguards,'including pollution reduction rules for power plants, vehicles and fuels will assure steady reductions offine particle pollution and will protectpublic health in communities across the country.

Internet Address (URL) • http: //www

.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printedwith Vegetable Oil Based Inkson 100% Postconsumer, ProcessChlorine Free Recycled PaperTogether, we have made considerab l e progress to reduce fine particle pollution. Na tionwide , monitored levels of fine particle pollut i on fell 34 percent s i nce 2000 when we first began nationwide monitoring for particles of this size. I am confident this progress w ill accelerate as together we continue to work towards our shared goal of clean air. For additional information about these designations , please visit our website at: www.epa.gov / pmdesignations . I f you have questions or concerns , please contact me or your staff may contact Mark Rupp, Deputy Associat e Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations, at rupp.mark @ epa.gov or at (202) 564-7178.