Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey's (D-NY) today applauded a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize standards that will reduce harmful air pollution associated with oil and natural gas production. Earlier this week, Hinchey sent a letter signed by 24 of his House colleagues to President Barack Obama calling for finalization of the standards.

"The finalization of these air quality standards will help protect New York's air from harmful smog-forming pollutants. Shale gas drilling air pollution can cause cancer, respiratory and neurological health risks, including headaches, chronic dizziness, eye irritation and difficulty breathing, and many other health problems. We simply cannot allow drillers to emit hazardous chemicals into the air we breathe without consequence.

"When fully implemented, these rules would cause significant air pollution reductions. I applaud the EPA's decision to move forward with these standards, and hope the agency will take additional action in the future to ensure that the environment and public health are protected from drilling activity."