Environmental Health, Research Paper Example

Introduction

On December 21^st, 2011 Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Chairman of the Environment and Publics Work Committee put forward a statement in support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the national standard to reduce harmful toxic wastes that are being pushed into the environment from power plants around the nation. (Boxer, B. 2012).

Updates to Clean Air Act 1990

The provisions put forward are intended to update the Clean Air Act 1990. This provides added regulations that will govern the emissions from Power plants and particulsarly reduce the amount of mercury and other toxins pushed into the atmosphere. This is estimated ton save over 17,000 lives and prevent some additional 120,000 cases of childhood asthma. (Sierra Club, 2012). The Senator also pointed out the other toxic emissions like “lead, arsenic, Chromium and Cyanide” (Boxer, 2012). In addition she provided additional health statistics on heart disease, cancer and premature deaths of children. She stated that these facts have been substantiated by independent peer review Science Advisory Boards. In addition, improving these environmental concerns will create 46,000 construction jobs and 8,000 other sustained jobs at a time of much needed employment in the country.

Conclusions

Most Americans will support the Senators viewpoint here as there is a general national concern about health and well-being; particularly as this impacts future generations. The added bonus of creating much needed employment (jobs) provides additional stimulus and weight to the argument. There is no real downside here as the power plants do need to increase their responsibility towards public health concerns and protecting the environment that we live in. This information also supports the argument for increased clean energy sources like wind and solar power.

References

Boxer, B. (2012, 1 22). Boxer Statement on Mercury and Air Toxics Rule. Retrieved from US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works: http://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=626B6C67-802A-23AD-4175-40994D736127

Sierra Club. (2012, 1 22). Is There Mercury Near You? Retrieved from Sierra Club: http://iowa.sierraclub.org/Mercury/mercuryhome.htm