Lung Association Responds to Clean Power Plan Health Benefits Announced by White House

Washington, D.C. (August 2, 2015)—

In response to new White House factsheet that estimates the health benefits from the U.S. EPA's final Clean Power Plan, Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, made the following statement:

"Breathing is essential to life. To protect the lung health of millions of Americans, we must address the dangers of climate change and significantly cut carbon pollution. Children, the elderly and people with lung diseases including asthma face some of the greatest risks, including from ozone and soot that climate change makes worse.

"Newly released estimates of the health benefits of the Clean Power Plan show that it will directly save lives, preventing up to 3,600 premature deaths in 2030, as well as preventing 90,000 asthma attacks and avoiding 300,000 days missed at work and school by removing dangerous pollution from the air we breathe. The final plan, as described, reflects the progress we as a nation are making to reduce pollution from power plants and marks a tremendous step forward in the fight against climate change. The American Lung Association will work with states to maximize the immediate health benefits from power plant cleanup."

###

About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  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-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.