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Untitled document
August 21, 2012
WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) issued the following statement today after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule exceeds the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act.
Bass said:
"New Hampshire is oftentimes referred to as the tailpipe of the nation because of the harmful emissions from coal plants in the Midwest that travel to our region. Implementation of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule would have helped to keep toxic pollutants that cause acid rain and smog out of the air we breathe, and would have required the rest of the country to catch up to environmental standards that are already in place here in New Hampshire. Today's ruling is bad news for the Granite State.
"Not only does this ruling impact public health and the health of our environment, it affects our economy as well. New Hampshire's natural treasures and scenic environment fuel the tourism, outdoor recreation, and timber industries, for example, creating thousands of jobs and generating millions of dollars in revenue for our state. That's why I remain committed to protecting our natural resources for generations to come."
Bass, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee with jurisdiction over the EPA and the Clean Air Act, has consistently voted against weakening clean air protection measures. Last year, Bass voted against the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act (H.R. 2401) because it would further delay the Mercury and Air Toxics Rule and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule for six months or more until an interagency committee completes a report on certain EPA air pollution rules.
"Our economy and quality of life in New Hampshire are and will always be inextricably linked to the health of our environment. Clean air is a vital component of that healthy environment. New Hampshire businesses have significantly invested in reducing in-state air emissions. Unfortunately, this decision will limit New Hampshire's ability to achieve compliance with current and future air quality requirements for protecting public health due to air pollution transported into our state from states to our west and south," said Thomas Burack, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
"New Hampshire families deserve safe, clean, and breathable air, but today's court decision leaves us defenseless against the toxic pollution pouring into our state from the Midwest," said Jerry Curran, NH Sierra Club Chapter Chair. "The New Hampshire Sierra Club is very disappointed in this ruling that further delays the Clean Air Act's promise and we join Congressman Bass in supporting this critical, life-saving protection."
Jim Rubens of the Union of Concerned Scientists said, "This decision unfortunately plays into polluters' tactics of endless delay, burdening downwind states like New Hampshire with more premature deaths, asthma attacks, and lost work days."
Bass concluded, "Although I am disappointed with the Court's ruling today, I will continue working with the rest of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect the air we breathe and ensure New Hampshire continues to remain a leader when it comes to clean air protection and responsible environmental stewardship."
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