Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA)
December 18, 2002 Wednesday
SECTION: Pg. a4
LENGTH: 212 words
HEADLINE: Oppose Bush's efforts to gut Clean Air Act
BYLINE: DR. CHARLES WINTERWOOD
BODY:
Chair, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club, 1555 Montrose Terrace
The Bush administration recently approved the most significant rollback of
our clean-air protections in the history of the Clean Air Act.
This action was taken despite the serious public-health impacts due to
air-pollution exposure. In effect, these rule changes will gut a key
clean-air enforcement program that prevents the emissions of millions of
tons of smog and soot pollution each year.
Each year, smog and soot in our air triggers millions of asthma attacks,
and tens of thousands of premature deaths. Power plants emit more smog and
soot-forming pollutants than any other industry. Unfortunately, President
Bush's new rules will virtually eliminate enforcement of the Clean Air Act
for the oldest and dirtiest power plants, refineries and other industrial
facilities, making these problems even worse.
Americans need stronger enforcement of clean-air protections, not
rollbacks. But power companies, oil refiners and other industry groups
have hired high-priced lobbyists to push these rule changes. It is also
anticipated there will be legislative proposals to weaken the Clean Air
Act.
Our senators should do everything in their power to prevent these
rollbacks of the Clean Air Act.
Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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