Where We Live: Breath of Fresh Air

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

The prospect for cleaner air across the nation brightened in July 2003 when the court approved a settlement between the EPA and a coalition of environmental and public health groups. The coalition, represented by Earthjustice attorneys, sued the EPA for violating the Clean Air Act by not reviewing national standards for soot and smog.

Research has shown that soot and smog pollution is even more dangerous to public health than previously thought. Particulate pollution has been linked to a variety of heart and lung ailments, leading to premature deaths, hospitalizations, and missed work and school days. Children, the elderly, and those with lung and heart impairments are especially vulnerable to air pollution.

The EPA has agreed to a schedule for reviewing national standards for soot and smog levels. If the standards are not strong enough to protect public health, the agency promises to strengthen them. The Clean Air Act requires these standards to be reviewed and revised every five years to ensure that they reflect the latest scientific research. With the court approval of the settlement, communities across the nation can look forward to breathing healthier air.

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