First Focus on Children submitted the following comment to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to comment on the proposed rule concerning New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units: Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; and Repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule.
Excerpt from the Comment:
Children across the country suffer from the complications of poor air quality. Coal- and gas-fired power plants emit toxic chemicals and greenhouse gasses into surrounding communities, greatly contributing to air pollution and the climate crisis. Air pollution is directly linked to myriad health problems and is especially dangerous for children. Chronic exposure to polluted air causes respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune system damage and exacerbates asthma. Air pollution can cause life-long damage to children’s growing lungs, especially due to their propensity to spend more time outside. Additionally, coal-fired power plants emit mercury, which can negatively impact children’s brain development.The new regulations proposed by EPA mitigate some of these health impacts, especially for children living closest to these plants. The proposed improvements would protect children’s health and potentially prevent 38,000 health-related school absences annually.