New EPA emissions rule may cost polluters $2.8Billion but save us more than $120Billion in healthcare
July 7th, 2010When considering how to improve our natural environment through changes in our built environment, one of the chief concerns is how to reduce the impact of harmful emissions associated with building operations and power supply. One of the leading causes of respiratory health problems and related deaths is poor air quality driven by emissions. On July 6, 2010 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new rules that would protect the health of millions of Americans by helping states reduce air pollution and attain clean air standards. This rule, known as the Transport Rule would require 31 states and the District of Columbia to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and fine particle pollution in other states. The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing the rules to replace a plan from the administration of President George W. Bush that a federal judge threw out in 2008, citing numerous flaws in the calculation of air-quality effects.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to address the problem of interstate transport of air pollution. EPA is proposing to put in place a new approach that helps states meet their obligations to reduce transported pollution and attain and maintain compliance with the national ambient air quality standards. The newly revamped Air Transportation Rule is designed to help the EPA better achieve this mission. Specifically, this proposal would require significant reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that cross state lines. These pollutants react in the atmosphere to form fine particles and ground-level ozone, what we know as smog. These emissions are transported long distances, making it difficult for other states to achieve national clean air standards. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said of the new rule. “We’re working to limit pollution at its source, rather than waiting for it to move across the country. The reductions we’re proposing will save billions in health costs, help increase American educational and economic productivity, and — most importantly — save lives.”
Emissions reductions will begin to take effect very quickly, in 2012 – within one year after the rule is finalized. By 2014, the rule and other state and EPA actions would reduce power plant SO2 emissions by 71 percent over 2005 levels. Power plant NOx emissions would drop by 52 percent. Gina McCarthy, head of the E.P.A.’s air and radiation office, said the new rules would reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by hundreds of thousands of tons a year and bring $120 billion in annual health benefits. The emissions reductions from this proposed rule would lead to significant annual health benefits. The EPA has calculated that by 2014, this rule would protect public health by avoiding:
• 14,000 to 36,000 premature deaths,
• 21,000 cases of acute bronchitis,
• 23,000 nonfatal heart attacks,
• 26,000 hospital and emergency room visits,
• 1.9 million days when people miss work or school,
• 240,000 cases of aggravated asthma, and
• 440,000 cases of upper and lower respiratory symptoms.
The proposed rule is expected to yield between $120 to $290 billion in annual health and welfare benefits in 2014. This far outweighs the estimated annual costs of $2.8 billion for polluting industries to achieve compliance. While this proposal shows substantial promise to improve national air quality it still faces the final review and approval. The EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The proposal will be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0491. Those who wish can find instructions on how to comment at the EPA website linked below.
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