The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that reduces pollution controls for stationary turbines, including those used in gas-fired power plants. This decision has drawn criticism from the American Lung Association.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, responded to the new rule with concern about its potential health impacts. “The American Lung Association is disappointed that the EPA didn’t take the opportunity to modernize and clean up gas-fired power plants. This new rule falls short of the protections offered by the original proposal, which focused on reducing smog-forming emissions through the use of widely available, modern pollution controls.
“It’s discouraging to see the EPA and clean air regulators issue an air pollution rule that ignores health benefits and focuses on cost savings for polluting sources. The EPA has finalized a rule that’s weaker than their earlier proposal and ignores the health benefits of clean air in its economic analysis.
“The originally proposed rule was estimated to generate between $200-640 million in health benefits due to reduced emissions. The final rule completely omits a health benefit calculation, focusing solely on industrial cost savings of avoided pollution controls. This is a disheartening missed opportunity to clean up air pollution and protect people most impacted by unhealthy air like children, older adults and people with lung disease.”
The American Lung Association works nationwide through research, education, advocacy efforts, local offices and community programs to improve lung health and prevent diseases such as asthma and COPD. It also promotes policies for cleaner air and supports innovative treatments according to its official website. As a nonprofit public health organization founded in 1904 to combat tuberculosis, it has since expanded its mission across various lung-related diseases nationwide.
Wimmer leads these efforts as president and CEO of the association, which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and operates nationally. The organization advocates for policies promoting clean air while providing educational resources, research funding, community initiatives such as LUNG FORCE for lung cancer awareness, and support for individuals affected by lung disease across the country.
The association continues its work through local offices nationwide and remains committed to advancing lung health through research-driven solutions.
