By: Ali Simpson, Senior Manager for Field Campaigns, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: January 8, 2025
About: NOx New Source Performance Standards, Docket # EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0419
To: EPA
My name is Ali Simpson, and I live in Bedford, New York, in Westchester County. I serve as the Senior Manager for Field Campaigns for Moms Clean Air Force, and I’m testifying today to thank EPA for their efforts to update nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission standards for new gas-fired power plants and urge the agency to strengthen protections in the final version.
I’m a mom of two boys—a 3.5-year-old and a 9-month-old. Nothing is more important to me than my children and protecting them is my first and foremost responsibility. I do this work to protect them and advocate for the millions of children across the country, especially those who live in environmental justice communities that are hit worst and first by air pollution. We know that children are among the populations most impacted by NOx. They take more breaths per minute than adults, receiving proportionately higher doses of pollution. Children exercise more and spend more time outside than adults, which means they are more exposed to outdoor air pollution. Our kids are vulnerable, and it’s our job to protect them.
Despite the Clean Air Act’s clear requirement to establish new source performance standards at least every eight years, this has not been done for NOX since 2006—nearly two decades ago! In that time, the technology has progressed so that now gas-fired turbines can produce power at nearly 90% lower than 2006 standards using common pollution controls. Given the recent trend among utility companies to erect new natural gas plants, it’s more important than ever that there be strong standards. Without the proper and appropriate safeguards these plants will further pollute communities despite the technological advances. We cannot expect industry to willingly regulate itself or protect public health.
Our communities deserve the strongest protection possible from health-harming pollution. Today, I ask you to strengthen NOx protections in the final version of the rule.
Thank you.