February 27, 2003

New York Public Interest Research Group
Environmental Advocates of New York

NY Congressional Delegation Called to Stand Up For Clean Air, Oppose New Bush Air Pollution Plan Introduced in Congress

Groups also call for state action to counter federal proposal

Albany, NY- Clean air and public health advocates today called on all of New York's Congressional Delegation to oppose the Administration's Clear Skies Initiative air pollution plan, which was introduced in Congress today. The plan deals with pollution from the oldest and dirtiest grandfathered power plants. The plan would roll back key protections of the Clean Air Act, allowing more pollution from the oldest and dirtiest "grandfathered" power plants.

"Just this week, the Administration released one report showing the growing danger power plant pollution poses to children from mercury emissions, and another study reaffirmed the explosion of asthma among our nation's youth, and days later the Administration is putting forward a plan that will let power plants spew more of these very pollutants," Michael Davoli of NYPIRG said. "Every member of New York's Congressional Delegation should reject weakening the nation's clean air laws, and instead work to pass legislation that protects public health, protects the environment, and deals with global warming."

According to an internal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis made public last year, the Bush air pollution plan would have weaker limits, over a longer timeframe, than just enforcing the Clean Air Act currently on the books. In addition:

• According to analysis using EPA's modeling runs, the Bush air pollution plan will mean over 100,000 unnecessary premature deaths between now and 2020. These deaths would be avoided under faithful enforcement of the current Clean Air Act.
  
• According to EPA's own analysis, even after the Bush air pollution plan is fully implemented, at least 60 million people would still live in areas that violate air quality standards.
  
• The Bush plan would actually delay EPA's program to reduce mercury pollution from power plants.

For a more complete analysis of the impacts of the Bush plan, please see the attached fact sheet.

"Women of child-bearing age, and all New York parents, have good reasons to be concerned about the impact on children of these emissions from the oldest and dirtiest power plants," said Christine Vanderlan of Environmental Advocates of New York. "New York's Congressional representatives need to let Washington know that the last thing New Yorkers want is more pollution in the air."

"If this is the direction of the federal government then that is one more reason for Governor Pataki to control pollution from in-state power plants," said Davoli. "We can send a clear message to Washington and protect New Yorkers by implementing comprehensive and stringent emissions standards here."

According to a study by EPA's own consultants, Abt Associates, pollution from these grandfathered power plants currently shortens the lives of as many as 1,800 New Yorkers each year. These same plants emit pollution that triggers 37,000 asthma attacks in New Yorkers every year. Children are particularly vulnerable.