Washington, D.C. (September 30, 2014)—

Strong limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants could improve air quality and prevent an estimated 3,500 premature deaths along with other significant benefits to human health, according to a new report released today from Harvard, Syracuse, and Boston Universities. The new report, Co-benefits of Carbon Standards: Air Pollution Changes under Different 111d Options for Existing Power Plants, evaluates alternative approaches for reducing carbon pollution from power plants, and shows that limits must be strong, flexible and enforceable to achieve the greatest health benefits for the American people.

In response, Paul Billings, Senior Vice President with the American Lung Association issued the following statement:

“Millions of Americans live in parts of the country where air pollution from power plants causes life-threatening harm to human health. Unlimited carbon pollution from power plants is making it harder to achieve healthy air in large parts of the country.

“This important new study shows that adopting strong carbon pollution limits for existing power plants will not only reduce carbon emissions that are fueling climate change, but will also have an immediate, positive impact on public health, by preventing an estimated 3,500 premature deaths as well as asthma attacks, heart attacks, and other illnesses linked to air pollution each year beginning in 2020. 

“Strikingly, all methods of reducing power plant carbon pollution are not equal when it comes to protecting our health. A weak approach could actually lead to greater health risks from power plant air pollution in some communities.

“The American Lung Association urges the EPA to adopt a strong Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants that maximizes health benefits, no later June 2015. Anything less shortchanges our future, our children and our health.”

The first-of-its-kind study compares “business as usual” conditions with three alternatives for limiting carbon from power plants. Results show that a strong, enforceable and flexible approach to reducing carbon pollution would reduce emissions of other harmful pollutants of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by about 775,000 tons each year. As a result of lower emissions, all U.S. states would experience cleaner air. For more information, the full report summarizing the results of the study is available online.

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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.