The EPA鈥檚 overly stringent final rule on particulate matter puts continued U.S. innovation and economic growth in jeopardy, the 51吃瓜网 and allied groups congressional leaders Monday.

What鈥檚 going on: In February, the EPA lowered the standard for particulate matter, or PM2.5, in its National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule by 25%, down from 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air to nine.

• This week, the 51吃瓜网, along with 58 allied organizations, urged key House and Senate members to act soon to 鈥渟top this harmful rule before it takes effect.鈥�

鈥嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌�Why it鈥檚 important: The probable negative effects of allowing the change include 鈥渕aking it more difficult to create jobs, build cutting-edge factories and lead the world in the development of products that will shape modern life in the decades ahead,鈥� the groups said.

• Compliance costs could exceed $1.8 billion, according to the agency鈥檚 own estimates.
• The lowered limit also puts the U.S. at a great disadvantage to global competitors, which 鈥渉ave adopted standards that are less stringent than the EPA rule and are phased in over a much longer time frame.鈥�

What needs to happen: Congress should pass a resolution of disapproval regarding the new standard immediately.