SELC, environmental justice groups file amicus brief in support of EPA’s fine particulate air pollution standard

ATLANTA — SELC has filed an amicus brief on behalf of environmental justice groups in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter, or soot.

Numerous states and polluting industries are challenging the standard EPA released in February, including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, arguing, among other things, that the agency’s consideration of environmental justice in setting the standard was unlawful.

On behalf of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP), West End Revitalization Association (WERA), South Bronx Unite, and Community Health Aligning Revitalization, Resistance & Sustainability (CHARRS), SELC argues that considering environmental justice falls squarely within EPA’s legal obligation to set air quality standards at levels needed to protect the health of sensitive populations.

Soot pollution is deadly. Many times smaller than the width of a human hair, these invisible particles lodge deep into human lungs and into the bloodstream. Health risks include asthma and asthma aggravation, lung disease, heart attacks and coronary heart disease, depression and suicide, preterm births, and premature death. Communities of color and low-wealth communities are more exposed to soot pollution and are more vulnerable to serious health impacts from such exposure than the general population.

The following statement is from Keri Powell, Senior Attorney and Leader of SELC’s Air Program:

“In setting a more protective standard, EPA rightfully and lawfully considered the increased vulnerability of communities of color and low-wealth communities to harmful health impacts from soot pollution. EPA’s strengthened standard will help address environmental injustice by reducing health problems and saving lives.”