Environmental

Representatives Schakowsky, Gutierrez and Quigley send letter to EPA in Support of Stronger Smog Standard


WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)—November 25, 2014. Today, Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, and Mike Quigley sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in support of the Agency’s consideration of a stronger standard for ground-level ozone (smog) pollution.  Smog pollution poses serious risks to public health, including asthma.  Children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors are most vulnerable to its impacts. 

The EPA is considering a standard ranging from 60-70 parts per billion – an improvement from the 75 parts per billion (ppb) standard that exists today, which experts say is inadequate to protect public health.  The members urged a 60 ppb standard, which could extend life for four to five times as many people compared to weaker 70 ppb standard.

“We hope that you will follow the long tradition of the EPA to set a protective standard that will build upon those decades of public health and technological progress,” said the members.  “Doing so would have a lasting and positive impact on our home state of Illinois, where 1.2 million adults and 13 percent of children suffer from smog-related asthma.” 

For the full letter, click below.

      Schakowsky Gutierrez Quigley send letter to EPA in Support of Stronger Smog Standard

Source: Schakowsky.house.gov


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