WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 29, 2015)—

In response to press reports previewing the U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan, Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association made the following statement:

“Breathing is essential to life, and climate change seriously threatens the lung health of millions of Americans, including jeopardizing their lives. To fight climate change successfully, carbon pollution must be cut significantly. Children, the elderly and people with lung diseases including asthma face some of the greatest risks, including from ozone and soot that climate change makes worse.

“The American Lung Association strongly supported the Clean Power Plan proposal. The final plan, as described in press accounts, appears to be a robust approach to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. We are encouraged to learn that there are incentives for states to act quickly. The American Lung Association will work with states to maximize the immediate health benefits from power plant cleanup.”

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About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.