Dear John,
Last year, members like you joined us in submitting comments for cleaner air and stronger environmental protections. And because we raised our voices, the U.S. has reached a significant milestone in the fight against air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially released its final rule on soot — a dangerous pollutant produced by power plants, vehicle tailpipes and other industrial sources. By strengthening the revised rule from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter EPA will be better positioned to slash emissions, protect our air and advance environmental justice.
According to the EPA, these new standards will save thousands of lives annually and significantly improve public health. These new standards will help our communities by:
- Updating monitoring requirements: EPA’s rule will help states and Tribal Nations meet the revised standards while making strides toward protecting the health of all people.
- Empowering communities: Strengthening air quality standards will make a significant difference in communities nationwide, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color that frequently face elevated soot pollution levels. Enhancing these standards can promote healthier and more sustainable communities nationwide.
But we couldn’t do this alone. Your engagement in this cause and our allies' and partners' efforts demonstrated how important clean air is to our communities and generated tens of thousands of public comments. And for that, we say thank you!
Remember, you are a crucial part of this movement. Together, we can make air pollution a thing of the past and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
|
