Statement of the American Lung Association

Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2014)—

“The American Lung Association is disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives passed yet another bill that would block critical clean air protections. By a vote of 229 – 183, the House approved H.R. 3826, sponsored by Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY), which would block important new clean air protections limiting carbon pollution from power plants. The American Lung Association strongly urges the U.S. Senate to reject this bill and its companion S. 1905 sponsored by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).

“H.R. 3826 would indefinitely delay limits on power plant carbon pollution and put industry, not health scientists, in charge of clean air protections. At a time when we are already seeing impacts of climate change, Congress should push EPA to fully implement the Clean Air Act, not thwart their efforts to do so.

“Roughly half of the population in the United States currently lives in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution that is linked to serious illnesses, including asthma attacks, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes and even death. Children are particularly susceptible to the health effects of air pollution because their lungs are still developing. Carbon pollution that fuels climate change will make it harder to achieve healthy air for all.

“Researchers have estimated that safeguards enacted now to reduce greenhouse gases - including carbon pollution from all sources in the U.S. - would prevent more than 16,000 premature deaths by 2030. The lives would be saved as a result of reductions in the ozone, and particulate-forming pollution that is also reduced as carbon is reduced. Cleaning up carbon pollution from power plants is essential to saving those lives.

“The American Lung Association urges the Senate to stand up for the health of our nation by rejecting all efforts to block or delay power plant carbon pollution limits, including H.R. 3826/S. 1905. In particular, our nation’s children, seniors and those suffering with lung or heart disease deserve more responsible decisions from our nation’s leaders.”

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.