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Phone: (202) 225-8885 |
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June 20, 2007 |
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Environmental Strides in the Right Direction
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Washington, D.C. - Throughout my legislative career, whether at the state or federal level, I have always concerned myself with environmental protection and strived to make it one of our nation’s top priorities. I am passionate about preserving our natural environment and securing clean air because I want my children, grandchildren, and constituents to live healthy lives and have the same quality of life with which we have all been blessed. As a trained nurse and chairwoman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have a general knowledge of both water and air quality and am particularly interested in curbing hazardous air pollution.
Air Pollution causes many negative health effects, such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. A few years ago, the American Lung Association reported that nearly half a million people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area live with diseases that are aggravated by air pollution. Unfortunately, too many of our fellow Americans are still suffering. According to a 2007 American Lung Association study, over 258,000 of my neighbors in the city of Dallas alone live with diseases that are exacerbated by air pollution. Moreover, the organization also notes that poor air quality is pervasive throughout the United States.
To address these concerns, I recently introduced two amendments to the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Sustainability Act of 2007 ensures that Environmental Protection Agency standards cover all major stationary sources of air pollutants. Meanwhile, the Mercury Emissions Reduction Act makes mercury emissions from electric utility power plants subject to the highest standards set by the EPA for hazardous air pollutants. In sum, both pieces of legislation essentially protect our air quality by preventing hazardous substances from contaminating our environment. Additionally, the Mercury Emissions Reduction Act will also reduce the amount of mercury deposited into bodies of water, which eventually contaminates fish and shellfish. When these are consumed, the contamination leads to adverse health effects on humans. All in all, these bills will help ensure American citizens the high quality of air and water that they deserve.
Several of my House colleagues and I are determined to reform the many quasi-effective policies the Administration has implemented over the past years. Although our environment is in much better shape than prior decades, I remain committed to combating air pollution and tightening environmental regulations. I hope that you will join me in working to be better stewards of our environment. |
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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is Chairwoman of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation. She is a Senior Democratic Whip in the House Leadership Structure and a Member of Science and Technology Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District, which includes Downtown Dallas; Northeast Dallas, East Oak Cliff , Pleasant Grove , Balch Springs, DeSoto, Lancaster , Hutchins, and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Glen Heights, Wilmer and Ovilla.
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