Rule protects New York and Connecticut from ozone pollution generated in Midwest
New Haven, CT — On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United State heard oral arguments on challenges to an Environmental Protection Agency rule aimed at reducing ozone pollution from power plants and other industry. The policy, known as the “Good Neighbor” rule, governs emissions from 23 states that blow over state lines to affect others downwind.
Roger Reynolds, senior legal director at Save the Sound, said, “This case will have a direct impact on the air quality of the Long Island Sound region. Connecticut and New York are working hard to reduce emissions, but that commitment can be undermined by the actions of other jurisdictions. We cannot reach healthy air quality for our residents without addressing upwind pollution, in addition to local sources. Currently, a significant percentage of our ozone pollution problem—pollution linked to asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological issues, and low birth weight—originates from out-of-state sources that would be governed by the good neighbor provision. If the Supreme Court blocks this plan from being implemented, the ongoing efforts by New York and Connecticut to improve air quality, decrease adverse health outcomes and hospitalizations, and reduce medical costs will be made much more diffcult.”
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