FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2016
CONTACT
Yasmine Evans (Edwards)--202-225-8699
Edwards Statement on H.R. 4775, Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 4775, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016. The bill amends the Clean Air Act by making changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) program. H.R. 4775 passed the House by a vote of 234-177.
“This bill directly undermines provisions of the Clean Air Act put in place to protect our public health,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “The change in the review cycle for pollutants from 5 to 10 years delays the implementation of the latest science-based recommendations to protect our country’s public health. Air quality requires constant regulation beyond the event of a national epidemic.”
“Forcing EPA to shift away from basing standards solely on public health greatly undercuts its ability to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and those with asthma. Legislation that lowers the standards of air quality ultimately puts our communities at risk and chips away at our fragile public health infrastructure. By undermining environmental and health protections of the Clean Air Act, this legislation compromises our nation’s future.”
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