American Lung Association Urges Senate to Vote ‘No’ on Repealing Clean Air Act Waivers

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn two Clean Air Act Waivers that California is relying on to reduce community health harms and meet air quality standards—The Commercial Harbor Craft Standards and the Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Program. The American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement about this action:

“Overturning health protections for communities most impacted by port and harbor pollution is wrong. We are deeply opposed to this action to undermine lifesaving clean air protections that will cut cancer risk for millions. The maritime standards that the House voted to repeal today are critical for Californians’ ability to breathe clean air, particularly in communities most impacted by emissions from ports and harbors. 

“Both sets of standards would result in significant health benefits. The Commercial Harbor Craft standards are designed to reduce cancer risk for more than 10 million people in Southern California, and five million in northern California communities nearest harbors. The California Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Waiver is projected to cut diesel exhaust from ships by more than half, delivering more than $2 billion in health benefits by limiting ship idling in favor of shore power or other emission controls.

“Port-side and harbor-side communities should not have to pay the health costs for goods movement and other industrial activities. We must let these lifesaving programs work to reduce air pollution. The American Lung Association is calling on the U.S. Senate to vote ‘no’ on repealing these Clean Air Act Waivers.”