Press release from the Commission on Planetary Health
Posted about 1 month ago by Carlene Ferrier
The New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health applauds the measures taken by President Joe Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan in announcing rigorous new standards to significantly reduce carbon emissions and other toxic pollutants from power plants. This historic move marks a significant stride toward safeguarding the environment and improving public health across the United States and right here in New Hampshire.
"Yesterday’s announcement is not just about improving the environment, it's about safeguarding our health," said Kaitlynn Liset, Chair of the New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health and Board of Director with NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action. "In New Hampshire, where our state's natural beauty and citizen’s health are tightly interwoven, reducing pollution is directly connected to reducing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in our communities."
These new standards aim to cut carbon pollution from existing coal and new gas-fired power plants. With the EPA's regulatory analysis projecting a more than 75% reduction in carbon pollution from 2005 levels by 2035, New Hampshire is poised to see tremendous health benefits. This includes a predicted reduction in the incidents of asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbated by air pollution and extreme heat, a critical issue for many in our state.
Further benefits are projected from strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which promise a 70% reduction in mercury pollution from lignite plants by 2028. Given New Hampshire's sensitive ecosystems and the susceptibility of our wildlife to mercury contamination, these stronger standards are a crucial step in preserving both our natural and human communities.
Moreover, the initiative to clean up at least 389 sites with legacy coal ash ponds and old, unregulated landfills will contribute to the health and safety of our water sources, essential for New Hampshire’s population and its economy.
"The health of our environment is a direct reflection of our public health," added Jacob McGinnis of the NH Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health. "Thanks to the efforts of President Biden, Administrator Regan, and the EPA, New Hampshire can look forward to a future with cleaner air and water, fewer health risks from pollution, and a strong, healthy populace capable of thriving in an environmentally sound landscape."
The New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health is committed to continuing its advocacy for robust environmental policies that prioritize human health and the well-being of our planet. Today’s EPA announcement is a commendable step forward, and we encourage further actions to maintain this positive momentum.
About the New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health: **
The New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health is dedicated to
The New Hampshire Nurses Association Commission on Planetary Health is dedicated to
nursing’s ethical responsibilities in advocating for environmental sustainability and health equity in promoting the highest level of wellness for all.
Jacob McGinnis