New Soot Standard: Very Important Win for Public Health and Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.lwv.org
December 14, 2012

NEW SOOT STANDARD: VERY IMPORTANT WIN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Washington, DC - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released long-awaited air quality standards for fine particles that come from power plants, oil refineries, boilers and diesel trucks and buses. The new rule is set at a level to protect against asthma attacks, heart disease, lung disease and premature death.  Also known as the “soot standard,” this new rule is a very important win for public health and the environment.

National President of the League of Women Voters, Elisabeth MacNamara said, “The EPA’s new rule is essential to protect the health of our children and seniors. Fine particles from power plants, oil refineries and other sources can lodge deep in the lungs and cause asthma attacks, heart disease and premature death. Continued enforcement of the Clean Air Act is the most important step we can take to protect public health and fight the ill-effects of global climate change.”

“We congratulate the Obama Administration for putting people before polluters," concluded MacNamara. "We are proud that the EPA stood against special interests and big polluters to take this important step in protecting the health of the American people – a step that will also help stop climate change.”

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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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Contact: Kelly Ceballos - (202) 263-1331, [email protected]