The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule that rolls back updated limits on mercury and air toxics from power plants, a move that has drawn criticism from the American Lung Association. The 2024 updates to these standards were intended to further reduce emissions of mercury and other toxic substances.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, responded to the EPA’s decision by stating: “EPA’s decision to reverse a rule that would better protect children from mercury and other toxic substances is inconceivable. The rule the agency just rolled back was projected to significantly reduce emissions of mercury and other toxic air pollution that makes kids sick.
“Standards to reduce mercury and other air toxics from power plants work. They have already led to a 90% reduction in mercury while also limiting dangerous particle pollution. They’ve protected pregnant women, infants and children from harmful exposure and saved thousands of lives each year. The updates passed in 2024 were going to build on that success and were going to achieve $300 million in additional health benefits.
“Rolling back these protections is a grave mistake and will expose people to toxic pollution proven to harm brain development, trigger asthma attacks and cause cancer and premature death. In addition, weakening these protections will also place an unfair burden on the communities located nearest these polluting facilities, who already breathe too much unhealthy air.
“Earlier this year, EPA granted exemptions to dozens of power plants, allowing those plants to ignore the stronger, updated mercury standards, despite many power plants already having the technology to meet them. Weakening the standards now will further harm health. It is unconscionable from a public health standpoint and a further betrayal of EPA’s mission.
“We urge EPA to restore these critical safeguards. The agency’s mission is to protect public health and the environment, not to expose people to more toxic pollution.”
The American Lung Association has played a role in advancing research for lung disease treatment and prevention through its initiatives nationwide as detailed on its official website. The organization operates local offices across the country focused on community-based efforts addressing lung diseases (source). It has received recognition for its fiscal management with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator (source). Harold Wimmer currently serves as president and CEO (source).
The association continues its work through research, education, advocacy efforts aimed at improving lung health nationwide (source).
