U.S. EPA today launched a voluntary program aimed at helping communities meet new air emissions limits for fine particles, or soot.

With the program, PM Advance, EPA plans to work with states, tribes and local governments to implement programs to cut back on fine particles, or PM 2.5, which come from auto tailpipes, power plants, drilling operations and boilers.

The program, EPA said, may be used by communities that are currently in attainment for the 1997 standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over a year and are looking for ways to meet the new standard of 12 micrograms finalized in December (Greenwire, Dec. 14, 2012).

One such program, EPA said, could be a school bus retrofit program. In such a case, EPA would provide technical advice and other support.

Fine particles are particularly dangerous, public advocates have argued, because they can get lodged deep within the lungs, leading to myriad harmful health effects. EPA estimates that the new 12-microgram standard will provide health benefits worth $4 billion to $9.1 billion per year.

For every dollar invested in pollution reduction, EPA said, the country will reap returns of $12 to $171 in health benefits.

It's unclear, however, how many communities will opt to use the new voluntary program. According to EPA's analysis, more than 90 percent of the country would be able to comply with the 12-microgram standard without any additional actions because of various EPA air rules taking effect. EPA identified about 65 counties that will violate the new standard if no additional action is taken.