The NMA urges the White House administration to restore rigorous, science-based decision-making to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies as they develop solutions for pollution that will protect public health. Today, NMA President, Dr. Garfield Clunie encouraged partner organizations to move forward on stronger standards on soot pollution to protect public health and advance environmental justice.
We believe the science is clear and that there is quite literally no time for delay in setting strong limits on air pollution, specifically for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) or soot. Soot pollution exposure causes increased infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, cognitive impairments, and even premature death. As is often the case, these health burdens are disproportionately borne by communities already overburdened by pollution, particularly lower-income households and communities of color who are more likely to live near heavily polluting facilities and high-traffic roadways. As each day that passes without updated limits is another day that millions of Americans are exposed to unhealthy and potentially deadly levels of soot pollution.
We are united in our call for the EPA to set the strongest possible protections to limit soot pollution without delay. Join us as we deep dive into the health impacts of soot pollution and the imperative for a strong standard of care for our communities.
