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American Lung Association Welcomes EPA Proposals to Reduce Carbon Pollution

WASHINGTON, DC | May 11, 2023

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a set of proposed rules that would curb emissions of carbon pollution from new and existing coal and gas plants. Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement:

“Dirty power plants are polluting our communities, harming our health and worsening climate change. I applaud EPA and the Biden administration for these steps to address emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants.

“Climate change is a health emergency. Warmer temperatures worsen air quality and lead to increased droughts and wildfires which pose current and growing threats to lung health and public safety. Climate change has also led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as dangerous heat waves and floods, the spread of vector-borne diseases and the lengthening of allergy seasons.  

“Carbon pollution from coal and gas power plants is a major driver of climate change. To meet the goals of mitigating the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, the country needs to drastically cut its current carbon pollution levels. EPA estimates this proposal would reduce hundreds of millions of metric tons of carbon pollution. It would also have immediate benefits to health at the same time, reducing NOx emissions and particulate matter. It would avoid at least 1,300 premature deaths in the year 2030 alone.

‘We look forward to reviewing the proposal in more detail and providing comments to the Agency on the crucial step towards addressing the drivers of climate change.”

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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 education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]

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