Quigley and 59 House Members Write EPA in Support of Air Pollution Rule
Measure Would Control Cross-State Pollution at Source
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), John Carney (DE-01), and 56 other members of Congress have sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to express their support for the EPA's final Cross-State Air Pollution Control Rule.
The rule will reduce toxic air pollution by addressing the problem at its source, rather than forcing local governments to spend money to fight smog that was created by large upwind sources. Each year, this public health standard will prevent an estimated 34,000 premature deaths and 15,000 heart attacks. By reducing illness and premature mortality, the Cross State rule will save up to $280 billion annually in avoided health costs.
"It is important for local and state governments, especially those in large metropolitan areas like my own hometown of Chicago, to meet clean air standards," said Congressman Mike Quigley. "However, it is nearly impossible to do so when the source of pollution falls outside of their jurisdiction, in cities miles away and in some cases across state lines. By controlling air pollution at its source, the Cross State Air Pollution Control Rule will place responsibility squarely on the polluters themselves rather than on the backs of local taxpayers."
The American Lung Association estimates that 9.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, with the majority of cases becoming more prevalent in children. Exposure to toxic air contaminants during infancy or childhood affects the development of the respiratory, nervous, endocrine and immune systems, and could increase the risk of cancer later in life. The ALA has called on Congress to support implementation of the Cross State rule.
"The Cross State Air Pollution Control Rule will reduce asthma, lung cancer, and other diseases, while improving the economic competitiveness of communities like the National Capital Region," Connolly said. "With 69-82% of pollution in our region coming from distant coal plants, EPA is standing up for our region by controlling pollution at the source with this rule."
"Delaware suffers from the consequences of power plant emissions that come from other states. Our residents experience higher rates of asthma and other respiratory ailments, burdening our health care system, said Congressman Carney. "For every dollar spent reducing particulate and ozone pollution, there is as much as thirty dollars in benefits to public health through reduced sick days, chronic illnesses, hospital visits, and early deaths. The Cross-State Air Pollution Control Rule is an important public health standard that will save both lives and money.
"The Cross-State Rule will improve the quality of life in major urban areas like New York City by helping to control air pollution at its source," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. "It is only fair to ask those highly polluting facilities to clean up their own mess.
Republicans will bring the TRAIN Act, which would block the Cross State rule and other clean air standards, for a final vote on the House floor on Friday.
A copy of the letter to EPA Administrator Jackson can be found here.