Sixteen of the nation's top 20 emitters of hazardous ultra-fine particles are either coal mines or coal-fired power plants, according to new National Pollutant Inventory data released today.
A new clean air discussion paper proposes reviews of National Environment Protection Measures on diesel vehicles and air toxics, and says there is a need for tighter standards on ozone, SO2 and NO2.
National air pollution standards would not be breached even if air quality deterioration caused 6,000 extra deaths in Australia's three largest cities, says a leading air pollution academic.
Federal and state governments will seek to introduce a national compliance standard for very fine particles, and also support taking the first steps towards an EU-style particle exposure reduction framework that would apply in urban areas.
Environmental activists say National Pollutant Inventory data showing a massive increase in particle pollution from coal mining means tough new controls are warranted.