| June 3, 2010 |  |
New Sulfur Dioxide Regulations Will Help Americans Breathe Easier
Statement By Barbara Freese, Union Of Concerned Scientists
WASHINGTON (June 3, 2010) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced new health standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2), a compound primarily produced by burning fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities. Sulfur dioxide can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems, and is particularly harmful to children, the elderly, and Americans with compromised immune systems.
The new standard establishes the maximum amount of sulfur dioxide allowed in the air. According to the agency, the health benefits associated with the rule range from $13 billion and $33 billion annually. These benefits include preventing 2,300 to 5,900 premature deaths and 54,000 asthma attacks a year. The agency estimates the cost in 2020 to fully implement this standard at approximately $1.5 billion.
Below is a statement by Barbara Freese, a coal expert with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Americans will literally breathe easier with these stronger standards for sulfur dioxide emissions.
“Coal-fired power plants are our nation’s leading source of sulfur dioxide pollution, which, along with the other toxic pollutants emitted by these plants, has serious health consequences. But coal plants, which generate about half of our nation’s electricity, are not only a leading source for SO2, they are our primary source of global warming emissions as well.
“There is a lot of talk about the need to curb our dependence on oil, but we have to address our coal habit, too. Unlike oil and coal, cleaner forms of energy -- wind, solar and geothermal -- and energy efficiency are good for public health and the environment because they emit relatively little air pollution. Clean energy also creates local jobs, enhances our energy independence, and protects us from oil, gas and coal price spikes.
“The new SO2 standards should help us transition to a cleaner energy economy, but we also need Congress to pass a comprehensive clean energy bill that holds polluters accountable for their global warming emissions and dramatically increases the use energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
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The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
