01/03/2025
Comment due March 13 on regulating NO2 emissions
https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0419-0001
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from fossil fuels are a danger to the planet. It’s imperative we limit this pollution — not only on behalf of the environment, but also the vulnerable communities who will otherwise continue to suffer from the numerous negative health impacts. We are encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rules and urge you to enact the strongest possible standards on NOx emissions from new stationary combustion turbines.
While NOx emissions have steadily declined over the last several decades, serious associated public health threats from gas-fired power plants remain. Chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even premature death are just some of the health effects linked to nitrogen oxide exposure. And the risk is worse for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions.
Additionally, this pollution represents a serious threat to environmental justice. People of color are more likely to reside near fossil fueled fired-power plants and are consequently disproportionately impacted from this pollution. With new combustion turbines that could operate and impact these communities for decades to come, it’s critical that NOx pollution be severely limited by these new standards.
As if the public health and justice impacts aren’t enough, these proposed standards are expected to yield up to $340 million in societal net benefits by 2032, exhibiting once again that what’s good for the planet is good for the people and good for the economy.
With over 640,000 tons emitted from the power sector in 2023, it’s past time we curb these emissions. We strongly encourage you to finalize the strongest possible limits on harmful NOx emissions. Our future depends on it.
