Rollback of EPA Mercury and Air Toxic Standards increases health risks putting all Americans at risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: [email protected]

Rollback of EPA Mercury and Air Toxic Standards increases health risks putting all Americans at risk

APHA strongly condemns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule to rollback the 2024 updated Mercury and Air Toxic Standards for the power sector. These standards have already reduced 90% of mercury emissions from the power sector.

Weakening the life-saving Mercury and Air Toxics Standards takes away vital health protections from babies, children, pregnant people and other at-risk groups. It is especially troubling because most power plants already have the technology in place to meet the updated 2024 standards.

Maintaining these standards is essential to building on the proven successful track record of the MATS, which have slashed emissions of toxic air pollutants, including mercury, particulate matter, arsenic and lead, and have saved thousands of lives each year. Millions are breathing cleaner air because of these protections under the Clean Air Act, and we urge EPA to rescind this dangerous decision.

###

The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.