This is a very important and timely hearing Mr. Chairman, because as you know, we are learning more every day about the linkage between polluted air and diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. We are also coming to realize the very real damage that air pollution does to the environment, both regionally, as in the case of acid rain, and globally, as in the case of climate change.
I appreciate your determination to better understand and address the impacts that powerplants have on people and the environment and look forward to working with you on your 4-pollutant bill. As you know Mr. Chairman, President Bush supported a 4-pollutant approach to controlling emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, mercury and carbon during the Presidential campaign last year. Unfortunately, the Administration changed course on this issue after taking office.
Electric utilities account for approximately: one-third of all emissions of mercury and particulate matter in America, one-third of all emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, and three-quarters of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide. Electric powerplants are major contributors to global warming. Climate change will, in turn, have significant impacts on public and environmental health. Predicted impacts range from changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, which impact water resources, to the spread of diseases.
Mr. Chairman, some would prefer that the Senate address only 3 pollutants and ignore carbon dioxide. This would be a mistake. It would be like driving a car with one flat tire. Eventually we will have to fix that tire and it will cost us much more to fix it down the road. In addition, utilities need to have some business certainty regarding the regulatory environment.
Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from the witnesses and working with you as this committee develops 4 pollutant legislation dealing with reducing air emissions including carbon dioxide from electric power plants.