Congress Takes Action: What Looser Toxic Air Pollution Rules Mean for Your Health and Environment

Recently, Congress voted to undo a regulation from the Clean Air Act that limits how much toxic air pollution industries can emit. This decision marks a significant retreat from environmental protections that have been in place for decades.

Environmentalists are worried. John Walke, an expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, warns that this rollback could mean more hazardous air pollution, which is linked to serious health issues. “These are pollutants that cause cancer and birth defects,” he explains.

The regulation in question was re-introduced during the Biden administration. It aimed to control seven dangerous pollutants, including mercury and dioxins. These chemicals can accumulate in the environment and pose risks to human health. The original rules began in the 1990s but were weakened during the Trump presidency.

The House advanced the resolution after an earlier Senate vote, using the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to review and overturn new regulations. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration aimed at reducing regulatory oversight of industries, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claiming it promotes business efficiency.

Industry groups, like the National Association of Manufacturers, supported Congress’s decision. They believe it will lower operational costs and encourage better environmental practices. Chris Phalen from NAM argued that easing these regulations could incentivize businesses to adopt cleaner technologies.

However, critics like Walke caution that relaxing these controls could worsen air quality in communities near industrial sites, particularly in heavily industrialized areas like the Gulf Coast and Appalachia. These regions often bear the brunt of pollution from factories and refineries.

The “Once in, always in” regulation, which ensures that any major source of pollution remains classified as such, is one of the central issues. This rule was designed to keep pollution levels low, even if a facility reduced emissions. Under previous administrations, changes allowed some facilities to change their status if they decreased their output, potentially increasing risk for surrounding areas.

The consequences of this rollback could be severe. Experts estimate about 1,800 facilities may now seek to be reclassified, reducing their pollution controls. Former EPA assistant administrator Joseph Goffman urges vigilance, stating that the overall pollution in a region matters more than emissions from individual sources.

In summary, while the rollback is framed as a way to support business, the potential public health risks are significant. Keeping air quality in check is crucial, especially in communities already facing high pollution levels.

For more details, consider checking out reports from trusted sources like the [Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov) or the [Natural Resources Defense Council](https://www.nrdc.org).

Source link