CONTACT: DKC News, MomsCleanAirForce@dkcnews.com
Washington, DC—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal today that would update nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission standards for new gas-fired power plants. Nitrogen oxides are dangerous pollutants that contribute to particle pollution and ground-level ozone (also known as smog). EPA has not revised NOx standards since 2006. In response to the proposal, Moms Clean Air Force Public Health Manager Elizabeth Bechard issued the following statement:
“In a time of escalating threats to children’s health, standards that protect the air our children breathe are more important than ever. We are grateful for EPA’s proposal to strengthen NOx emissions standards for new gas-fired power plants because we know that pollutants like these threaten little lungs. They have been linked to asthma, respiratory infections, and increased hospital and emergency room visits.
“In addition, nitrogen oxides can react with other chemicals in the air to form particle pollution and ozone, which contribute to a dizzying array of children’s health problems, from asthma and disrupted lung development to adverse birth outcomes like low birth weight and preterm birth. Communities of color are among those most impacted, making this proposed standard an important step towards environmental justice.
“Our NOx standards for gas-fired power plants haven’t been updated since 2006— nearly the span of a generation. EPA’s proposed NOx standards represent long-overdue movement in the right direction. We know we’re at a pivotal moment when it comes to ensuring a healthy environment for children and future generations, and we’re ready to keep working for the clean air our children and communities deserve.”
RESOURCES
- Fact sheet: Ozone Pollution 101
- Fact sheet: Particle Pollution and Your Health (also available in Spanish)