WASHINGTON (June 15, 2012) – Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement today of proposed clean air standards that will reduce particle pollution known as soot. Particulate matter pollution is linked to health problems such as respiratory disease, asthma and even premature death.
 
“Americans can breathe a little easier thanks to the EPA’s proposal to strengthen clean air standards that will reduce harmful particle pollution. Taking steps to reduce particulate matter pollution will mean fewer asthma attacks in our children and reduced respiratory problems in our elderly, all without requiring additional action on the part of states. There is nothing hazy about the need to keep our air clean and our skies clear of this dangerous pollution, and I look forward to a final rule by the end of this year.”
 
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