EPA Scientists Raise the Bar for Cleaning Up Park Pollution
Johnson Must Accept Recommendation of Lower Fine Particles Standard to Improve Visibility
Fine chemical particles emitted by power plants cause thousands of premature deaths each year—they are also the main source of unhealthy haze in our national parks. After an exhaustive six-year review of the latest independent research on the effects of fine particles, independent scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have recommended changes to the agency’s current fine particle standards to significantly reduce pollution, which threatens public health and creates hazy skies. In December 2005, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson will have an opportunity to publicly adopt these scientists’ recommendations and stand up for better health and haze-free national parks—a decision with implications for decades to come.
Hazy Skies Threaten Park Visitors and Economy of Surrounding Communities
Nearly 30 years after Congress called for a return to natural visual air quality in America’s national parks and wilderness areas, many remain plagued by unsightly haze pollution. Regional haze has reduced annual average visibility to about one-third in the West, and to one-quarter in the East of natural conditions. For example, on average a park visitor to Shenandoah or Great Smoky Mountains national parks can see naturally about 80-90 miles. However, the average summertime visibility at these parks has been reduced to a paltry 12-mile view.
Fine chemical particles emitted by power plants and other industries are mainly responsible for obscuring the once-majestic views in our national parks, and are also extremely dangerous to public health. The Clean Air Act requires that these dangerous air pollutants be kept in check, and independent scientists—like those at the EPA—must periodically review fine particles levels and recommend changes as necessary to keep the public safe.
Visitors consistently rank “clean, clear air” as one of the most important desired features when visiting a national park. This summer in a poll conducted by Zogby International for NPCA, three in five respondents (62%) indicated they would be unlikely to visit a national park clouded by haze or smog. Moreover, numerous studies have established a well-recognized relationship between good air quality and economic benefits from tourism, making hazy skies in national parks bad business for the communities that depend on national park tourism.
Johnson Must Listen to Scientists and Tighten Haze Pollution Standards
In recommending significantly tightening fine particle standards, the EPA scientists have presented EPA Administrator Johnson with a range of possible options. The high-end (allowing for more fine particles in the air) would provide little new benefit in protecting health and cleaning up haze. The lowest end however, would prevent thousands of deaths and noticeably reduce unsightly haze in our national parks.
Johnson, a former scientist, must decide which standard to propose—a weaker standard favored by coal-fired power plant owners and other large industries, or a tight standard, which protects public health and cleans up the hazy skies in our national parks.
As an example, see below how lowering the standard on the amount of fine particles allowed in the air would significantly improve haze pollution and visibility in the nation’s capitol.
For More Information
For additional information about the EPA fine particles standards and their impacts on the national parks, please contact National Parks Conservation Association Clean Air Director Mark Wenzler at 800-628-7275.
