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A Small Breath of Fresh Air EPA Proposal Will Help Reduce Smog Washington, DC: Statement of Sierra Club air analyst Alice McKeown in response to new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone (smog) proposed today by the EPA. "While we are pleased that the EPA is finally taking the first step toward removing harmful smog pollution from our air, the proposal falls far short of the smog reductions needed to adequately protect public health. Additionally, we are concerned that EPA's willingness to consider keeping the current standard will turn out to be an escape route that allows the EPA to hide from its duties and do nothing at all to make our air safer. "The EPA has finally started listening to scientists and public health groups who have long called for tighter smog safeguards. Unfortunately, the smog reductions proposed by the EPA do not come close to the reductions that groups like the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association and even the EPA's own scientists say are necessary to protect public health. "Though the proposed rule would help ensure that many more Americans enjoyed clean air, it would still leave millions at risk from the serious health risks posed by smog pollution, including lung damage, increased asthma attacks and even premature death. To protect our children, seniors and other vulnerable groups, the smog safeguards must be strengthened." ### |
