For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Maple 202-785-3355
ALA Supports New Clean Air Health Standards for Smog and Soot; Praises Clinton Administration for Resisting Polluter Lobbying
Seeks Bipartisan Implementation Phase
(Washington, DC, June 25, 1997) -- The American Lung Association supports the new health standards for smog and soot announced today by the Clinton Administration, and thanked the Administration for its "steadfastness and courage" in resisting a massive polluter lobbying campaign that sought to weaken or kill the stronger new standards.
"Today's decision is a victory for common sense in applying the latest scientific findings to our nation's air pollution control program," said John Garrison, Managing Director of the American Lung Association. "It also is a victory for the tens of millions of Americans who suffer the effects of air pollution -- the elderly, the young and those with chronic heart and lung diseases.
"It is a decision that will save thousands of lives every year, increase our economic productivity, reduce health care expenditures, and ease the suffering of millions of Americans -- young and old -- whose lives are diminished by air pollution."
The new standards were set in response to a lawsuit filed by ALA in 1993.
"In updating the nation's health-related air quality standards for smog and soot, the Clinton Administration has placed the highest priority where it should be, on protecting public health," Garrison said. "It has also placed highest priority on telling our citizens the truth about the health impact of the air we breathe.
"Perhaps there is poetic justice in today's decision, since it comes on a day when much of the Northeast is expecting its worst smog in several years," Garrison said. "Nature herself seems to be reminding us that the debate was never about fireworks or barbecues, but about air pollution and public health.
"President Clinton, Vice President Gore and EPA Administrator Carol Browner have earned our thanks and praise for their steadfastness and courage. The polluters' coalition has spent tens of millions of dollars on a sweeping lobbying campaign against the new standards. These Administration leaders never let the polluters' scare tactics obscure their vision," Garrison said.
The Clean Air Act gives the President and EPA Administrator the responsibility to review clean air health standards every five years and set new ones based on the latest scientific evidence. "That approach has served the country well for the past 27 years," said Garrison. "It would be a shame if the polluters were to attempt to use the political process in Congress to overturn the new standards. All of us need to focus on the important next steps to quickly achieve these new standards.
"Setting timetables and implementing strategies to reduce pollution to achieve the public health standards will take many years. The sooner we begin the sooner all Americans will be able to breathe free," he said.
"This Administration will need to apply as much leadership and energy to that job as it has to the standards-setting process. We invite political leaders of both parties to join in that effort. Clean air has never been a partisan issue. It will take all our efforts to achieve our public health goals."
Garrison noted that ALA had sought tighter standards than those adopted today by the Environmental Protection Agency. "The important thing is that these standards maintain the progress needed to further reduce air pollution and protect the health of the American people," he said.
The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with our medical section, the American Thoracic Society, we provide programs of education, community service, advocacy, and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas SealsÆ and other voluntary contributions. You may obtain additional information via our America Online site, keyword: ALA, or Web site at http://www.lungusa.org.
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The President's Clean Air Standards
Ozone
0.08 parts per million over eight hours based on 4th highest average yearly reading
Particulate Matter: PM 2.5
15 micrograms per cubic meter averaged annually 65 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 24 hours
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