Who needs to Save 4,300 lives per year, along with Billions in other Benefits?
Apparently NOT the United States of {Tea Party} America ...
To the Natural Resources Defense Council and to strong Majorities of {Normal} Americans, delaying the implementation of EPA Smog Standards will be just too costly -- in terms of the loss of lives -- and the losses of technology innovations and improved health opportunities, too.
In a word, it would be Moving Backwards -- NOT Forwards, with the Clean Energy Future, that most Americans are anxious to pursue. In spite of whatever the Tea Party is hollering about now.
Obama Administration Delays Life-Saving Smog Standards
Frances Beinecke’s Blog, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) -- Sept 2, 2011
[...]
In the case of ozone standards, the costs wouldn’t have kicked in for several years, long after the current economic downturn. And keep in mind that in 2010, the top 10 utilities had a combined $28.4 billion in profits and $7.5 billion in cash balances. They can afford to embrace innovative pollution controls and protect their customers’ health.
Meanwhile clean air investments yield enormous returns. The smog standards would generate $37 billion in value for a cost of about $20 billion by 2020. Take together, Clean Air Act standards generated approximately $1.3 trillion in public health and environmental benefits in 2010 alone for a cost of $50 billion. That's a value worth more than 9 percent of GDP for a cost of only .4 percent of GDP. The ratio of benefits to costs is more than 26 to 1.
[...]
Strengthening the standards for smog isn't just popular. It's required by law.
Following the Law used to matter in America ... pursuing Economic Growth opportunities too.
[... continuing from the Natural Resources Defense Council ...]
Today’s decision means the Obama administration now accepts the Bush-era standard. It also means NRDC will resume our lawsuit challenging it.
[...]
The stronger smog standards would have saved up to 4,300 lives and avoid as many as 2,200 heart attacks every year. They would have made breathing easier for the 24 million Americans living with asthma. And they also would have created up to $37 billion in health benefits annually.
Who wants to save 4,300 lives per year anyways, along with Billions in other Health and Environmental Benefits?
Majorities of Americans do, that's all. In spite of whatever the Tea Party's Deregulation Lobbyist Sell-outs might say ...
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, Poll, June 2011
American Lung Association
[pg 3]
Q.14 As you may know, the EPA is proposing to update air pollution standards by placing stricter limits on the amount of smog that power plants, oil refineries and other industrial facilities can release. Do you favor or oppose the EPA setting stricter limits on smog?
Total favor .............................................. 75
Total oppose ........................................... 21
[pg 4]
Q.16 Now let me read you some short pairs of statements. After I read each pair, please tell me which statement is closer to your own view, even if it is not exactly right.
[1]
The updated EPA standards will create more jobs because they will encourage innovation and investment in new technologies.
OR
[2]
The updated EPA standards will hurt jobs by increasing costs and making American businesses less competitive
1st Statement ............................................ 54
2nd Statement ........................................... 34
Seems like "most" Americans want stronger Regulations when it comes to Cleaner Air?
Funny huh. Who knew?
What's 4,300 lives saved per year anyways? It's not like another 9/11, is it?
Ah, it's not -- it's 1,323 lives more than those lost in that terrible National Tragedy.
-- only these 4,300 Smog-related losses ARE entirely Preventable,
-- only these Smog-related deaths WILL KEEP on happening each and every year (unlike 9/11),
Until the leaders of America dare to DO WHAT the Majority of Americans actually want:
Let Scientists DO their Jobs.
and
Let the EPA enforce stricter Clean Air standards.
That of course, is what {Non-Tea-Party} Americans want! (Psst! Remember us?)
And WHAT the Law, already mandates, too. (Remember the Law?)
.
.
.
4,300 extra people a year, will thank you for it, if and when you do.
Finally Listen, and finally Act.
PS. That's about "this many" ... (for those who have trouble "visualizing" big numbers):
larger
[ Over 4,000 people join the Yakap sa Lawa at the Central School Gym. ]
Each.and.Every.year. Tic.Toc. This.Much. Opportunity is lost.
Until we Toss the Tea Party Deregulation Talking Points -- overboard -- into the Sea of Bad Ideas -- right where they belong.