(Las Vegas, NV) – Today, Congresswoman Dina Titus and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Roberta Lange, joined Las Vegas clean air advocates to celebrate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new stronger standards to reduce particulate matter (PM 2.5), commonly known as soot.
A recording of the event is available here.
President Joe Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan have been instrumental in the implementation of the new soot standards, a key component of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Announced earlier this month, these measures mark a significant advancement in reducing harmful pollution and enhancing air quality in Nevada. The EPA estimates that the new standard will save 4,500 lives nationwide, and avoid 5,700 cases of asthma onset and 290,000 lost workdays.
Congresswoman Dina Titus highlighted the local impact in her district, stating, “This new rule on soot is an important step toward ensuring Southern Nevadans have clean air to breathe. It builds on my work and the work of the Biden-Harris administration to reduce air pollution and invest in low or no pollution transportation options in our communities like electric school buses and public transit. The cleaner air brought by the new Soot Rule will improve public health outcomes, reduce cases of asthma, cut down the frequency of hospital visits, and prevent the missed work and school days that result from these health challenges.”
“The EPA’s new soot pollution standards signifies a major triumph for Nevada, particularly for Clark County, where our unique geographical and industrial factors have long posed air quality challenges,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Roberta Lange. “These new standards are a game-changer, and they represent a commitment to improving the everyday lives of our residents. We expect to see a noticeable improvement in air quality, enhancing both public health and the natural beauty of our region.”
Vishisht Mehta, MD, FCCP, Interventional Pulmonologist, addressed the health implications of the new standards. “The new EPA soot standards mark a turning point for public health. Clark County received “F” grades in both ozone and particulate pollution, and the link between poor air quality and respiratory health is undeniable. These stricter standards on soot pollution are a critical step forward, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions. We anticipate a broad positive impact, with fewer cases of asthma flares and other respiratory issues, ultimately leading to healthier communities.”
Yazmyn Pelaez, Nevada Conservation League’s Communications Director highlighted the broader societal implications. “In Nevada, marginalized and BIPOC communities disproportionately bear the brunt of air pollution’s adverse effects. By implementing these safeguards, we’re addressing not just environmental concerns, but also tackling the deep-rooted inequities in public health. This new standard marks a crucial step in ensuring that all Nevadans, regardless of their background or economic status, have access to clean, healthy air. It’s a move that promises to reduce health disparities and foster a more equitable future.”
Speakers thanked the Biden administration for enacting the stronger soot standards, and called for continued enforcement and advancement of clean air standards, underscoring their importance in safeguarding public health and the environment in pollution-affected regions throughout Nevada.
###