Health Organizations Displeased With Proposed EPA Coal Rules

Following the EPA's proposed reversal of the Clean Power Plan, which set limits on coal-fired power plants, and replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, which gives more authority to states in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many health organizations are reacting negatively.

GHG, a known factor of climate change, are expected to increase health disparities as the earth continually heats up. According to a study published online in PLOS Medicine, researchers expect roughly 1000 additional deaths a year in the United States due to elevated levels of air pollution from increased use of fossil fuels. Further, The New York Times suggests that the EPA rule change will result in roughly 1400 deaths per year.

“The costs of this plan are far too high when it comes to our health,” the American Public Health Association (APHA) said in a statement. “The fine print acknowledges that it would result in up to 1,400 premature deaths annually. The plan’s Regulatory Impact Analysis quantifies a host of other health effects, including exacerbated asthma, cardiovascular hospital admissions, upper and lower respiratory symptoms, lost work days, school absence days and more.”

According to the APHA, the EPA’s proposal to diminish the current protections threatens the health of all Americans. APHA explained that “coal-fired power plants are the leading contributor to climate change and are responsible for the largest source of carbon emissions in the U.S.”

Similar to APHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics is also displeased with the reversal of the Clean Power Plan and believes it will hurt the health of children.

“By lifting limits on the carbon emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants, which are the largest source of these emissions in the United States, the new plan is a clear departure from the important work needed to ensure clean air and protect children, families and communities from the changing climate,” Colleen Kraft, MD, MBA, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a statement.

Dr Kraft explained that, according to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the current health burden due to climate change occurs in children younger than 5 years old.

The EPA is currently accepting public comments on the newly proposed rule for 60 days.

—Julie Gould

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