The proposed repeal comes at a time of escalating climate-related health impacts, including record-breaking heat, widespread wildfire smoke, and extreme weather events across the country. Power plant emissions not only drive climate change but also contribute to co-pollutants—such as fine particulate matter and ozone—that harm respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Key Health Facts

• Power plants are the second-largest source of climate pollution in the U.S. Carbon dioxide emissions from these facilities significantly contribute to climate change, which in turn fuels extreme weather, worsens air quality, and disrupts essential services, including healthcare.
• Climate change is a growing public health threat. It increases heat-related illness and death, worsens chronic disease outcomes, expands the spread of infectious diseases, and intensifies mental health impacts from displacement and disaster exposure.
• Air pollution and climate burdens are not equitably distributed. Communities living near fossil fuel infrastructure—often low-income, Indigenous, and communities of color—are more likely to experience health harms related to pollution and climate change.

Rolling back these air pollution protections would not only forfeit these benefits but also increase health risks, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. Decisions of this magnitude must be guided by rigorous scientific review and an understanding of the health consequences for current and future generations. 

Tell EPA to retain and strengthen, rather than repeal, the carbon pollution standards for power plants.