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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration moved to undermine the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), strong air quality standards that reduce mercury, heavy metals, and other toxic pollutants released from coal- and oil-burning power plants:

“We are in the midst of one of the worst respiratory disease pandemics of our generation. Rolling back air quality standards will expose more Americans to inhale dangerous mercury, and other harmful toxics. It’s not safe now, and it’s not safe ever. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards have driven reductions in pollution for nearly a decade. Rolling them back is bad for children, pregnant women, and especially communities of color and neighborhoods close to power plants.

“Science and public health experts agree reducing these toxins saves lives. EPA’s own staff scientists estimated that these clean air standards prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths per year – and that was before COVID-19. We must listen to the scientists and public health experts and continue to strengthen air quality standards so all communities – including vulnerable populations – have clean air to breathe."