Washington
, D.C.
, February 3, 2011 –
The American Public Health Association today expressed
deep concern over a proposal by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton that would block the
Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. APHA is calling on
lawmakers to reject any attempt to roll back Clean Air Act protections that
would limit the agency’s ability to protect public health by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
“For 40
years, the Clean Air Act has safeguarded the health of all Americans, including
our most vulnerable” said Georges C.
Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “Attempts to remove
protections already in place must be stopped.”
“The
public health community is very concerned about the long-term health consequences
of global climate change,” said Benjamin.
“Blocking EPA’s
authority to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases could mean the
difference between chronic debilitating illness or a healthy life for countless
Americans.”
Climate
change and rising temperatures expose more Americans to conditions that result
in illness and death due to respiratory illness, heat-related stress and
insect-borne diseases. These maladies fall most heavily on our most vulnerable
communities, including children, older adults, those with serious health
conditions and poor people.
Protecting
the EPA’s authority under the Clean Air and ensuring it has the necessary means
to continue to safeguard public health is a primary legislative priority for
APHA during the 112th Congress.