President Obama Speaks to American Lung Association, Health Organizations and thousands of public health leaders about EPA’s Carbon Pollution Standards Proposal

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2014)—

Today, President Barack Obama and U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy joined American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer and Kathleen Frey of Ohio whose son has asthma to highlight the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed carbon pollution standards for existing power plants, expected health benefits and opportunities to provide public input. The briefing call reached health professionals and public health advocates and allies.

Following the event, Wimmer issued the following statement:

“President Obama understands the enormous health challenges we face from the unlimited power plant carbon pollution that is fueling climate change and making it harder to achieve healthy air. Our nation has come a long way in the fight for healthy air, but pollution from power plants continues to be a major threat to public health.

“The common-sense proposal the president outlined to thousands of public health advocates and medical professionals today would reduce the burden of air pollution in America.   The EPA notes that this proposal will prevent up to 4,000 premature deaths and 100,000 asthma attacks in the first year they are in place, and prevent up to 6,600 premature deaths and 150,000 asthma attacks annually in 2030.  Parents like Kathleen Frey and Dian Colman know what’s best for their kids. That’s why they need common-sense limits on carbon pollution.”

“The public health community will be vocal participants in the EPA public comment process and will work in the states to push for maximum health benefits from this effort.”

The event was cosponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Thoracic Society, the American Public Health Association, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the Childhood Asthma Leadership Coalition, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the National Hispanic Medical Association, the National Medical Association and the Trust for America’s Health.

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.