The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new, much-anticipated standards to tighten restrictions on fine particulate matter, a dangerous form of air pollution. This new rule, the first of its kind in over a decade, is expected to save thousands of American lives annually. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is linked to serious health problems and affects one in three Americans. The EPA plans to ensure states’ compliance with the new rule through air monitoring and will require states to develop plans to meet the standards within 18 months. The EPA expects the new rule to prevent approximately 4,500 premature deaths annually and yield $46 billion in net health benefits. The announcement of the new standards was met with pushback from business groups, concerned about potential increased costs and layoffs. Some congressional lawmakers were also critical of the tighter restrictions, while others believe the rule could have gone further in limiting fine particulate matter. Despite the opposition, the EPA is optimistic that the new standards will save lives and improve the health of all people, particularly in vulnerable communities.