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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2014
Contact:
Emily Rosenwasser, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-1680 x119
Missouri Public Officials Urge Strong Smog Pollution Standard from the Environmental Protection Agency to Protect Public Health
Agency Set to Release New Standard on Smog Pollution in Early December
Click here to view Missouri Public Officials Letters to the U.S. EPA
ST. LOUIS – Fourteen Missouri state legislators have submitted letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for the agency to issue a stronger smog pollution standard in order to protect public health. The EPA is set to release a proposed standard on smog pollution in early December.
The current smog pollution standard is 75 parts per billion (ppb), but many health experts, epidemiologists and medical organizations have endorsed a standard of 60 ppb to safeguard public health properly. According to the EPA itself, every year, a stronger standard of 60 ppb would prevent up to 12,000 premature deaths, 21,000 hospitalizations, and the loss of 2.5 million work and school days.
“When our leading health experts are advising a stronger smog standard to protect our health, we must take action,” said Missouri State Representative and Retired Nurse Jeanne Kirkton. “I strongly urge the EPA to to listen to the health care experts and commit to a stronger smog pollution standard of 60 parts per billion.”
Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, causes premature death, asthma attacks, aggravates other lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema, and can cause permanent lung damage as well as neurological damage. Coal-fired power plants – like those operated across the state of Missouri by Ameren, Kansas City Power & Light and other electric cooperatives – are some of the largest contributors to smog. Smog is formed from the pollution emitted from these coal plants as it interacts with sunlight.
“We face above-average rates of asthma here in Missouri, so it is urgent that we cut smog pollution in order to protect statewide public health,” said Dr. John Kissel, Retired Internal Medicine Physician. “Big polluters are going to fight these vital health protections tooth and nail, which is why it’s crucial for our state leaders like Senator Claire McCaskill and others to stand up for a strong smog standard.”
Missouri state senators and representatives that signed on to the letter included:
- State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed
- State Sen. Scott Sifton
- State Rep. Jon Carpenter
- State Rep. Randy Dunn
- State Rep. Jeanne Kirkton
- State Rep. Jeremy LaFaver
- State Rep. Tom McDonald
- State Rep. Margo McNeil
- State Rep. Gina Mitten
- State Rep. Judy Morgan
- State Rep. Stacey Newman
- State Rep. Bill Otto
- State Rep. Tommie Pierson
- State Rep. Clem Smith
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