Barbara Boxer: “I would like to mention one issue of concern in the conference report on appropriations for the Environmental Protection…”

“I would like to mention one issue of concern in the conference report on appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency. It is in regard to report language on the Particulate Matter Research Program. I agree that we need more research on the sources and the health effects of particulate matter and strongly support this bill's appropriation of funds for new research. However, I would like to make it clear, for the record, that I do not agree with the conference report language that says that 'we do not yet have available sufficient facts necessary to proceed with future regulations for a new particulate matter standard.' The EPA standards are based on the best available science regarding the health effects of exposure to particulate matter. Some argue that we should not proceed until we have scientific proof of the exact relationship between exposures to particulate matter, and health effects. If we applied that principle in the late 1970's, we would not be enjoying the benefits of our current standards which have led to, for example, air pollution from carbon monoxide being reduced by 28 percent, from sulphur dioxide 41 percent, and from lead 98 percent.”