Atlanta, GA (August 04, 2015)— Susan Berryman Rodriguez, Project Director, Mothers & Others for Clean Air, a program of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, issued the following statement in response to the Clean Power Plan, announced by President Barack Obama:
“Mothers & Others for Clean Air, a program of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, welcomes the Clean Power Plan as a vital tool for protecting Georgia and North Carolina residents from the burden of air pollution, including the carbon pollution from power plants that causes climate change. Nationwide, the Clean Power Plan will prevent up to 90,000 asthma attacks and 3,600 premature deaths each year starting in 2030. Consider those most at risk: infants, children, older adults, people with lung disease, people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, people with low incomes and anyone who works outdoors. They are the ones who must rush to the emergency room when they cannot breathe because of worsened ozone pollution during a heat wave.
“Undeniable evidence tells us that our warming climate threatens public health and safety. Not only will Georgia and North Carolina be among one of the states most severely harmed by warmer temperatures, our coastline is also highly vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events which also leads to health risks. There is a lot at stake locally – the health of our children, families and neighbors is at risk unless we take action now.
“This week’s announcement marks a crucial step forward, but the fight against climate change is far from over. Under the Clean Power Plan, our Georgia leaders are charged with developing a plan to reduce our state’s power plant carbon pollution. Taking steps to cut carbon pollution will also reduce other dangerous pollutants linked to asthma attacks, heart attacks and premature death, making the Clean Power Plan a win-win protection for our health, as well as a powerful, flexible tool against climate change.
“With solar renewable energy options on the rise, we are confident that Georgia can meet our targets more quickly than the plan requires, ensuring even greater health benefits for Georgia residents. We look forward to working with our Georgia leadership to ensure speedy implementation and maximum health benefits. Anything less shortchanges our children and our communities.”
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About Mothers & Others for Clean Air: Mothers and Other for Clean Air (M&O), a program of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, works to advance policies that improves air quality and fights climate change in order to protect children’s health. To achieve this, we partner with scientists and medical doctors, as well as parents of children with asthma or others with lung disease. To learn more about M&O and to view a complete list of partner organizations, go to www.mothersandothersforcleanair.org.
