Lung Association Urges Senate to Reject Congressional Review Act Resolutions that Will Block Critical Health Benefits

As the U.S. Senate gears up this week to vote on extreme legislation that would permanently block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s actions to reduce dangerous carbon pollution from power plants, Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement about Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24:

"The American Lung Association urges the U.S. Senate to stand up for the health of our children and vote against any attempts by big polluters and their allies in Congress to block the Clean Power Plan. Carbon pollution from power plants greatly contributes to climate change. To protect public health, it is vital that our nation make progress in the fight against climate change. The use of the Congressional Review Act to block this significant clean air safeguard is a clear attack on public health and on the Clean Air Act.

"This week, eight national health and medical organizations, including the Lung Association, reiterated our support for the Clean Power Plan in this letter urging Senators to oppose legislation that would permanently block EPA safeguards to reduce carbon pollution and other dangerous emissions from new and existing power plants – and prevent EPA from putting forward any substantially similar regulatory action in the future.

"Blocking the Clean Power Plan means forfeiting the significant health benefits the Clean Power Plan will bring to the American people. EPA estimates that the Clean Power Plan will prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths and 90,000 asthma attacks in 2030, as well as prevent 300,000 missed days of work and school. Many of these benefits will be experienced by those most vulnerable, including children, those with asthma and people living in low-income communities.

"The Clean Power Plan plays a critical role in our fight against climate change. We urge the Senate to stand up for public health and vote against any threat that will thwart EPA's effort to reduce carbon pollution and protect public health."