Dive Brief:In a move that could add to regulatory requirements for coal-fired power plants, the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed tightening the primary annual air quality standard for fine particulate matter, called PM 2.5, to a range of 9 micrograms per cubic meter to 10 µg/m3 from 12 µg/m3.Coal plants owners in nonattaintment areas for a revised standard will have to meet requirements outlined in any approved state plans for meeting the federal PM 2.5 limit, according to Julia Criscuolo, ESAI Power manager of renewables and emissions.New epidemiological studies support links between exposure to particulate matter and harmful health effects at levels below the current annual PM2.5 standard level, the agency said in a summary.The EPA estimates setting the annual particulate matter standard at 10 µg/m3 would produce $17 billion in health benefits in 2032 and setting it at 9 µg/m3 would provide $43 billion in health benefits.PM2.5 is a “great concern” to already overburdened and vulnerable communities of color and indigenous and low-income communities, the EPA said."