Bowing to Republican Pressure, EPA Eases Boiler Emission Standards, Threatening U.S. Economy and Hea

[GoLeft TV]

From DeSmogBlog - http://desmogblog.com/bowing-republican-pressure-epa-eases-boiler-emission-standards-threatening-u-s-economy-and-health

The U.S. EPA has bowed to pressure from Republican members of Congress and relaxed the proposed rules for boiler emissions. By allowing utility industry companies to make “upgrades” to existing boilers, rather than replacing them with lower-emission boilers, corporations will save an estimated $1.5 billion in their attempts to meet emission standards.

The EPA claims that allowing companies to upgrade their existing equipment will still reduce emissions. The specific emissions being targeted are mercury and other toxic chemicals that are pumped out of oil refineries, chemical plants, and industrial plants.

The new, lower standards are the result of political attacks on EPA led by Republicans on Capitol Hill. Less than two months ago, Republicans in Congress unanimously voted to delay the EPA’s boiler ruling by another 15 months, as well as to give corporations 5 years to comply with the new standards. Only 41 Democrats voted in favor of delaying the rules, compared to 234 Republicans.

However, voting to delay the rules seems to go against the wishes of the American public, as majorities of both registered Democrats and Republicans were in favor of enforcing the emissions standards immediately.


Get the full story here - http://desmogblog.com/bowing-republican-pressure-epa-eases-boiler-emission-standards-threatening-u-s-economy-and-health