The American Petroleum Institute says that the existing PM 2.5 (fine particle) air quality standard should be among those EPA will consider for its proposed particulate standard rule.

 API’s Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman said the EPA should not be”pre-judging" the outcome and should take comments on a broad range.

“We urge the agency to include the current annual fine particle standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter in the range of standards for which they are soliciting comments,” Feldman said. He added that air quality progress under current standards, control programs and industrial initiatives has been “substantial.”

“According to EPA, between 2000 and 2010, concentrations of PM 2.5 fell by 27 percent. As a result, more than three-fourths of Americans today live in areas where air quality meets today’s standards. “

API represents more than 500 oil and natural gas companies.