Environmental Justice Groups on New Proposed EPA Air Pollution Standards for Dangerous Nitrogen Oxides 

Dic 3, 2024

  • Press Release

    • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 3,  2024
    Contact: Ashley Sullivan, ashley.sulivan@weact.org

    WASHINGTON – On November 22, 2024, the EPA released proposed stronger limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbines at power plants and other industrial facilities. In response, environmental justice groups from across the U.S. in the Clean Air for the Long Haul Cohort underscore how long overdue and needed these updates are to the proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to reduce smog-forming NOx emissions. These emissions contribute to harmful health effects disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities living near power plants.

    “More now than ever before, we need to advance clean air standards that safeguard our communities and public health. We commend EPA for taking action to tighten limits to NOx emissions that are released from gas-combustion and industrial sources. NOx emissions are the main ingredient of ozone or smog that is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues,  reproductive and developmental harm for babies, including reduced fertility and preterm births as well as premature death. People of color are more likely to live in areas with the worst ozone pollution, along with many other forms of harmful air pollution. As a cohort, we will stand up for a strong, health-protective final rule by the end of 2025.” 

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    Clean Air For The Long Haul is a nationwide coalition of environmental justice groups working together to win major federal emissions reductions in the power and transportation sectors. Coalition member organizations include: Alternatives for Community and Environment, Coalition of Community Organizations, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, Duwamish River Community Coalition, GreenDoor Initiative, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, South Bronx Unite, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, West End Revitalization Association, and Wisconsin Green Muslims.