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Press Releases

Statement from Carol M. Browner on EPA Reversal of Toxic Air Pollution Protections

Sep 24, 2020

Contact: Emily Samsel, emily_samsel@lcv.org, 828-713-9647

Washington, DC – In anticipation of the Trump EPA finalizing its rule that it will no longer enforce the “once-in, always in” policy for toxic air pollutants, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released the following statement from LCV Board Chair and former EPA administrator Carol M. Browner:

“The Wheeler EPA decision to rescind the “once in always in” standard for preventing dangerous air pollution is another blow to our health and environment from an EPA administration that relentlessly attacks bedrock environmental protections. This is a lawless action that will undoubtedly increase carcinogens and other deadly pollution in our air. It’s another attack on the vulnerable populations, especially communities of color, that tend to be located near these pollution sources and will be forced to ingest these toxic substances.

“This is a standard that industry has complied with for more than a quarter century and rescinding it will provide no benefit while costing lives. Taking this action during a global pandemic that preys upon people with existing respiratory ailments further confirms that for Andrew Wheeler and the political leadership of the EPA the cruelty is the point.  The American people deserve better than to have an agency charged with protecting our health and environment from dangerous pollution of all kinds be run by industry insiders determined to create an air toxics loophole that puts corporate profits ahead of American lives.”

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