Abstract

Dirty Politics, Foul Air

Focuses on air pollution caused by electric power plants in the United States. Cases of asthma in children and cancer risks caused by air pollution; Reference to the Clean Air Act of 1970; Lack of enforcement of emissions regulations for the prevention of industrial pollution; Report that 224 counties do not meet federal health standards; Report that the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush is advocating for a Clear Skies Initiative that would help the electric utility industry save money; Study in a 2004 issue of "The Journal of the American Medical Association" that discussed people who die from heart attacks and respiratory ailments brought on by changes in ozone levels; Report that Bush's Clear Skies Initiative allows more mercury emissions, sulfur dioxide emissions and nitrogen oxides at power plants; Report that the power plant industry spent more than $78 million on lobbying in 2000; Discussion of the costs to public health in the United States caused by the Clear Skies Initiative.