The American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and Physicians for Social Responsibility filed a lawsuit on Mar. 30 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's final action repealing updated limits on mercury and air toxics from power plants finalized in 2024.
The lawsuit comes as these organizations say that rolling back these standards could lead to increased exposure to mercury and other toxic pollutants, which may harm children’s health and increase risks such as asthma attacks, cancers, brain development impacts, and premature deaths.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said: “The American Lung Association is taking this action because of EPA’s choice to allow more toxic pollution to impact the health and well-being of children throughout the United States. This will expose more communities to mercury and other toxic pollutants, leading to brain development impacts, asthma attacks, cancers and premature deaths. Our mission is to save lives, and we are taking this action because EPA has retreated from their mission and is putting Americans at risk.”
Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics said: “Children are disproportionately impacted by toxic air pollution due to their vulnerable physiology... Without the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in place... risks of respiratory conditions like asthma will become worse. We urge the court to reinstate these standards...” Georges C. Benjamin, MD from APHA said: “These standards have already reduced toxic mercury emissions by 90% from the power sector... Maintaining updated 2024 standards is essential...” Brian Campbell from Physicians for Social Responsibility added: “Mercury is a potent neurotoxin... These potentially deadly emissions are entirely preventable...” Deborah Murray with Southern Environmental Law Center said: “Federal safeguards that have significantly lowered levels of mercury... have proven to be a success story for public health...”
The American Lung Association has supported research advancing lung disease treatment according to its official website. The organization works nationwide through local offices addressing lung diseases according to its official website. It received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for fiscal management according to its official website. The association aims to save lives through research education and advocacy according to its official website. Harold Wimmer serves as president and CEO according to its official website.
Broader implications include concerns about potential increases in harmful emissions affecting public health across many communities if current protections are not restored.
