skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, March 31, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump has dubbed April 2 'Liberation Day' for his tariffs; Report: Arkansas labor costs attract companies hoping to reshore operations; Indiana loses millions as health funding dries up; Discrimination shields some Black farmers from USDA funding freezes.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Elon Musk takes center stage in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. Some observers say WI voters are deciding between democracy, and Donald Trump and Florida GOP candidates face a maelstrom from Trump's executive orders and poor campaign strategies in a special election.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Air and water pollution is a greater risk for rural folks due to EPA cutbacks, Montana's media landscape gets a deep dive, and policymakers are putting wheels on the road to expand rural health.

Improved air pollution standards could help reduce ME asthma rates

play audio
Play

Wednesday, September 25, 2024   

New air pollution requirements issued by the Environmental Protection Agency should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each year to Maine and across the U.S., according to a new report.

Rob Wolcott with the Environmental Protection Network and report co-author, said the standards, installed over the past few years, will also save over 200,000 lives.

"In addition to the reductions in premature death, we have the massive reductions in the number of asthma attacks," he contended.

In fact, he said fewer emissions from smokestacks and tailpipes will lead to 100 million fewer asthma attacks, ensuring fewer missed school days, and fewer trips to the E.R. Maine already has the third highest adult asthma rate in the nation due in part to the state's cold, moist air as well as high rates of exposure to cigarette smoke.

The report notes the economic benefits far exceed any costs associated with compliance with the new pollution standards. Jeremy Symons, report co-author and also with the Environmental Protection Network, warns the benefits are not guaranteed. He points to Chapter 13 of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, written by former Trump-appointed senior EPA officials, which details plans to roll back key environmental protections.

"By putting polluters in control of our air and water, instead of EPA scientists, Project 2025 would put millions of Americans needlessly at risk from asthma attacks, from cancer, lung disease and heart disease," he said.

The new standards are especially critical for those most at risk from air pollution, including children, low-income families and environmental justice communities living close to refineries and highways. The report notes they will also be the ones to experience the greatest benefits.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
Nearly one in eight Mississippi residents relies on the food assistance program, which faces $230 billion in proposed federal cuts. (Pixabay)

Social Issues

play sound

For nearly one in eight Mississippians, monthly SNAP benefits provide a critical lifeline, one now at risk as congressional Republicans propose $230 …


Social Issues

play sound

Today, Montanans will gather outside the Statehouse to observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, during a legislative session that has …

Social Issues

play sound

Florida's public employees face twin crises as federal collective bargaining rights suddenly disappear and state government jobs are cut, leaving …


Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

Environment

play sound

A new study says agriculture co-ops are a strong economic force in states like South Dakota - but their future is murky, because of federal tax cuts …

Legislation across the country seeks to block transgender people from receiving health care, education, and even the right to publicly exist. (zera ruzgar/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Today is the International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society -- and raise awareness of the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Wildfires are creeping closer and closer to health care facilities in California, including hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study…

Social Issues

play sound

President Donald Trump's administration has targeted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so advocates for people in rural communities are …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021