Credit: Jarod Carruthers/Flickr

States challenge EPA's new air quality standards

A recent push by the Biden administration to set stricter limits on soot pollution has sparked legal action from 25 Republican-led states, highlighting a clash over environmental policy and economic impacts.

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule aims to reduce fine particle pollution to improve public health but faces opposition for potentially harming the economy.
Critics, including industry groups and GOP states, argue the rule is too strict and could stifle economic activity and job creation.
Environmentalists and health experts support the rule, citing significant health benefits, including the prevention of early deaths and respiratory problems.

Key quote:

“We do not have to sacrifice people to have a prosperous and booming economy.″

— EPA Administrator Michael Regan

Why this matters:

The confrontation over air quality standards reflects the hardening ideological divide over profits versus public health with business and manufacturers on one side and justice and health advocates on the other. Tackling cumulative exposures, rather than one pollutant at a time, is key to correcting environmental injustice, experts say.

www.ehn.org

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

States challenge EPA's new air quality standards

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.