On October 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan, the first-ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants that will improve health and save lives. Repealing this critical plan would be a step backwards in America’s fight for healthy air.

Here are three things you need to know about what repealing this important public health protection would mean for Americans, according to an analysis by the EPA:

Repealing the Clean Power Plan would result in…

  • 4,500 avoidable early deaths every year nationally by 2030, when the plan would have been implemented.
  • 45 percent more toxic sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. Sulfur dioxide can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and impaired lung function. Sulfur dioxide also forms sulfate particle pollution that causes premature death.
  • 23 percent more carbon pollution, which is the major pollutant that contributes to a warming planet and climate change. Climate change is already harming the health of Americans.

That's why we need your help defending the Clean Power Plan! Encourage the EPA to save 4,500 lives and improve the health of Americans. Please send a comment to EPA, and share this link on your social media channels to encourage others to do the same!

Asthma Educator Institute
, | Jul 11, 2015