Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized new limits on interstate air pollution from power plants in the eastern half of the United States. The limits on soot and smog-forming pollutants are intended to make the air safer to breathe by curbing emissions that move across state boundaries. Earthjustice has for years litigated to require stronger limits on this kind of pollution.

The following statement is from Earthjustice Washington, D.C., Managing Attorney David Baron:

“This is a welcome step in the right direction. Cutting deadly power plant pollution that crosses state lines is vital to protecting our lungs—and it’s required by law.

“Today’s rule is expected to save tens of thousands of lives. But to fully protect people’s health, the EPA can’t stop here. The nation’s leading medical experts tell us we need even stronger pollution limits to prevent needless deaths and suffering from soot and smog pollution.

“The EPA must follow through by adopting much more protective standards for ozone and particulate matter, and requiring stronger pollution controls at power plants and other major industries.”