Clean air saves lives

The Clean Air Act, enacted in 1963, saves lives and protects public health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforces standards carrying out objectives of the act: to reduce and eliminate air pollution which is harmful, often fatal, to human health. The act and the EPA are increasingly under significant attack by polluters and their congressional allies who want to use the air we breathe as a holding pond for toxic emissions. This would make our lives more vulnerable and their products less expensive.

One example of the challenges thrown at the act and EPA is the current attempt by Sen. Rand Paul and others to block a standard that would reduce amounts of smog, soot and acid rain pollution crossing state lines. The protections Sen. Paul wants to block could lead to as many as 34,000 premature deaths, 15,000 heart attacks and 400,000 additional asthma attacks annually.

Montanans want clean air and an effective EPA enforcing the standards. Our congressional delegation should be working to protect Montana families, children and seniors put at risk by dirty air. Votes on weakening the Clean Air Act and the EPA will continue to emerge. Please contact the delegation and urge them to stand strong for clean air.