The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is sharing this press release from the American Lung Association to bring you the latest news quickly.

[PRESS RELEASE]

15 Health and Medical Groups Strongly Oppose EPA’s Proposal to Weaken Carbon Pollution Limits on New Power Plants

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2018) – Today the acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Andrew Wheeler, announced a proposal to dramatically weaken the Carbon Pollution Standards for New, Modified and Reconstructed Power Plants, which are protections against carbon pollution that have been in effect since 2015. In response, the American Lung Association, Allergy & Asthma Network, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Center for Climate Change and Health, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Health Care Without Harm, Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, National Association of County and City Health Officials, National Medical Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Public Health Institute issued the following statement:

“Actively pursuing efforts to weaken carbon pollution limits on new power plants is moving in the wrong direction. There is a clear, scientific consensus that addressing climate change is a critically urgent health need.

“Power plant pollution and climate change endangers the health of every American, but certain groups are more at risk – including children, older adults, pregnant women, low-income communities and communities of color. This latest attempt from the Administration to give industry a license to pollute is irresponsible and illogical from both a health and economic perspective. We strongly oppose this proposal, which is a major threat to the health of all Americans, particularly those most vulnerable.”

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.