FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Adrienne Verrilli, 415-608-2424, averrilli [at] hersheycause [dot] com
(Sacramento, Feb. 4, 2010) – The American Lung Association in California (ALAC) joined other health and environmental advocates in Sacramento today to publicly support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed tougher, science-based air quality standards for ozone (smog), one of the most widespread and dangerous air pollutants. The EPA’s action reverses a 2008 Bush Administration directive that refused to pursue these standards despite unanimous recommendations from the agency’s own scientists.
“This EPA decision is of historic importance. These standards will save thousands of lives throughout California and the nation,” said Jane Warner, ALAC president and CEO. “Our state has the worst air quality in the nation with 90 percent of our residents breathing unhealthy air during some portion of the year. These standards will go a long way to improving our air, our environment and the health of future generations.”
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Numerous scientific studies have linked ozone to asthma in otherwise healthy children, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and early death as well as increased hospitalizations for breathing problems. Six of the nation’s ten most ozone-polluted cities are here in California, including Fresno, Los Angeles and Sacramento, endangering more Californians than any other state’s residents.
In 2008, the EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the science-based standards that are being proposed now. At the direction of then President Bush, the EPA ignored its scientists and set a much lower standard for air quality. More than a decade of research demonstrates the 75 PPB (particles per billion) standard still in effect today not only fails to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act, but also does not adequately protect our citizens from harm. The EPA is now proposing a standard between 60-70 PPB, a level the scientists determined would substantially improve the public’s health.
“While some will resist these standards and argue that the implementation costs are too high, added Warner, “we know the costs of inaction – the doctor visits, medications, hospitalizations, lost productivity, even death – are far higher.”
Today’s public hearing in California was the last of three hosted by the EPA as mandated by the Clean Air Act. Public comments will be accepted and the agency is expected to finalize these National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone in August. To comment online, go to: www.regulations.gov.
“On behalf of all Californians who want to breathe freely,” added Warner, “we thank this EPA for putting science and the public before politics. We urge the public to lend their voices in support of these standards.”
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.lungusa.org.
