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Letter: Take steps to reduce emissions

The Columbian
Published: June 4, 2014, 5:00pm

The May 28 online article “U.S. Chamber: EPA rules could cost economy $51B a year,” highlighting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s warning that new carbon emission standards will result in lost investments and jobs, fails to take into account the very real threat to our nation’s families if we continue to allow coal-fired power plants to pump large amounts of carbon pollution into the air we breathe.

The health of our economy must work hand-in-hand with our desire to protect the health of our children and other vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Air pollution triggers severe asthma attacks and increases the risk for lung disease, heart attacks, cancer and premature death.

Cleaning up carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants is expected to offer immediate benefits in the first year with 4,400 fewer premature deaths and 100,000 fewer asthma attacks. By 2030, those benefits will jump to 6,600 fewer premature deaths, 3,300 fewer heart attacks, and 1,800 fewer hospital visits due to complications from heart and lung disease.

Nearly five out of 10 people in the U.S. live in areas where the air quality is considered unhealthy. High levels of ozone and particle pollution are only expected to worsen unless we take strong measures now to reduce the harmful toxins that contribute to climate change and threaten our children’s future.

Carrie Nyssen

Vancouver

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