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The Palestinian Ambassador calls on the UN to stop Israeli attacks. Impacts continue from agency funding cuts and state bills mirror federal pushback on DEI programs.

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The Palestinian Ambassador calls on U.N. to stop Israeli attacks. Impacts continue from agency funding cuts, and state bills mirror federal pushback on DEI programs.

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Cuts to Medicaid and frozen funding for broadband are both likely to have a negative impact on rural healthcare, which is already struggling. Plus, lawsuits over the mass firing of federal workers have huge implications for public lands.

Improved air pollution standards could help reduce ME asthma rates

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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.


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