Allergy & Asthma Network voiced concern today regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal for the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule to replace the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan established emission guidelines for states to follow in limiting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from certain fossil fuel-fired power plants.
There are people in the United States at a higher risk for asthma who live and/or work within close proximity to major sources of harmful air pollution, causing or worsening their asthma.
“Asthma is the leading cause of school absences, with 13.8 million missed school days per year by students in the United States, and it causes 14.2 million missed work days per year by parents and adult patients. It also results in lost productivity and limited physical activity.
The federal government needs to protect public health and the environment. Poor air quality can make it difficult to breathe and cause great harm to those who already live with chronic respiratory conditions. Reducing carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases is necessary in our country as ozone and particulate matter can trigger potentially life-threatening asthma flares. This proposed EPA rule threatens the health of millions of Americans with chronic respiratory conditions by significantly increasing the risk of more hazardous air pollutants.”
