American Lung Association Applauds Announcement by Governors to Combat Air Pollution from Transportation

In response to today's announcement by a coalition of Governors in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regional states on their plan to work together to reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector, American Lung Association Chief Mission Officer Deborah Brown issued the following statement:

"From wildfires to hurricanes and severe storms, we are experiencing the health impacts of climate change today and the transportation sector is the largest source of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Advancing a regional clean transportation solution presents an opportunity for states to address not only the significant climate-related health threats posed by carbon pollution, but also air pollution harmful to human health such as ozone and particulate matter precursor emissions from light- and heavy-duty vehicles as well as public transportation.  

"As this process moves forward, the details are of utmost importance. The agreement must create clear and enforceable emissions reductions. Investments should recognize all emission impacts. The agreement must ensure that communities that have borne the brunt of air pollution for far too long receive protection from pollutants and also benefit directly from these improvements. In addition, as electric vehicles are increasingly used, efforts to clean up the power grid that fuels these vehicles must continue to reduce carbon and other pollutants they produce.

"The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regional states have a long history of collectively working together to address public health and air quality problems. States can and must move forward on initiatives without weakening federal Clean Air Act protections. A strong regional plan could protect public health and can have significant positive impacts on state and local air quality. This is especially important for the health of individuals who are more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, such as older adults, youth, pregnant women and those living with a chronic disease, as well as those who live near roadways and others who have long experienced greater exposure and a disproportionate health burden of air pollution. Addressing climate change and supporting healthier air is an important step to raising the bar for everyone, and ensuring every American has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life."