Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a markup of the Air Quality Standards Implementation Act, better known as the Smoggy Skies Act. The bill would weaken the Clean Air Act, limit the use of science-based decision making, and put the profits of polluting industries over the right to clean air. During the markup, Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Terry McGuire issued the following statement:

“The Biden administration listened to communities impacted by air pollution and utilized the best scientific data available when it recently finalized stronger standards for soot pollution, a deadly pollutant that disproportionately harms low-income households and communities of color. The new standards will save thousands of lives every year and help clear the air in communities already overburdened with air pollution. Despite this, some leaders in Congress continue to willingly do the bidding of industry at the expense of our public health. Breathing is bipartisan, and it’s time for supporters of the Smoggy Skies Act to quit playing politics and stop attempts to rob our communities of the right to clean, healthy air. We urge Members of Congress to reject these theatrics and let the Clean Air Act continue working to save lives and drive technological innovation.”