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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: 'Bush Administration's Willingness to Roll Back Clean Air Act Leaves Americans Breathless'
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement commemorating the signing of the Clean Air Act on December 31, 1970:
"Today we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, which has greatly reduced air pollution over the past three decades, saving lives and protecting the environment. Thanks to the foresight of that legislation, we have made great progress in protecting the health of the American people.
"We still have a long way to go, however, before all Americans are breathing safe, healthy air. The air is still polluted in many parts of the country. Just one type of air pollution -- small particles -- is estimated to contribute to the death of 60,000 Americans every year. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful health effects of air pollution, with dirty air stunting lung growth and leading to higher rates of asthma.
"As they have with so many environmental protections, however, Republicans continue to fight to weaken the Clean Air Act. Their 'Dirty Skies' plan would triple the amount of toxic mercury released into the air. It would increase sulfur emissions by 50 percent and release hundreds of thousands of tons of additional smog-forming nitrogen oxides. And families that expected air pollution to be cleaned up in their communities will now have to wait as long as 10 more years for relief. The Bush Administration's willingness to roll back the protections of the Clean Air Act leaves many Americans breathless.
"Democrats are ready to meet the challenge of providing a safer, healthier world for our children and future generations. That means setting strong public health standards for air pollution and holding polluters accountable for the damage they cause. We must build upon the Clean Air Act and its 34-year record of success."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
