APHA blasts EPA proposal to roll back protections to reduce dangerous air pollution from the power sector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Media Relations

Statement from APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, MD 

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to roll back two vital rules to reduce pollution from power plants threatens the health of millions of Americans. The American Public Health Association urges EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reconsider this proposal and recognize the harm that will be done, especially to communities located close to power plants, including the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases.

Reducing carbon emissions and other dangerous air pollutants from the power sector, the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., is an essential and necessary protection for our nation as well as a healthy, intact environment for current and future generations. In 2024, it was estimated that the rule will avoid 1,200 premature deaths; 870 hospital and emergency room visits; the onset of 1,900 cases of asthma; 360,000 cases of asthma symptoms; 48,000 school absence days; and 57,000 lost workdays and will achieve an estimated $370 billion in health and climate benefits between 2024-2047.

Weakening life-saving Mercury and Air Toxics Standards takes away vital health protections from babies, children, pregnant people and other at-risk groups. The updated MATS standards are essential to build upon the proven successful track record of the MATS that have slashed emissions of toxic air pollutants, including mercury, particulate matter, arsenic and lead. Millions are breathing cleaner air because of these protections under the Clean Air Act. 

This ill-advised proposal to roll back these critical public health rules would make America less healthy. We must continue our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and other hazardous pollution from the power sector to ensure all communities can live a full life at optimal health.

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The American Public Health Association serves as a convenor, catalyst and advocate to build capacity in the public health community. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. We lead public awareness campaigns such as Get Ready and National Public Health Week. Together, we are creating optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. Learn more at www.apha.org.