Kathy Castor: “My amendment seeks to ensure that American families aren't forced to pick up the costs of air pollution that should be…”

“My amendment seeks to ensure that American families aren't forced to pick up the costs of air pollution that should be rightfully borne by polluters. My amendment seeks to protect kids across America, our older neighbors, and the most vulnerable to smog and dirty air. My amendment says that the Republicans' ``Smoggy Skies Act'' will not take effect if the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee finds negative impacts on individuals with asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other health conditions, particularly in children and our older neighbors, pregnant women, folks who work outdoors, and those in working-class communities. Mr. Chairman, Americans value their health and they value America's landmark Clean Air Act. Earlier this year, the American Lung Association released a new poll showing that 61 percent of all Americans support stronger smog standards and clearly oppose this dirty-air policy. Harold P. Wimmer, national president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said: ``More than half of all Americans breathe polluted air, putting them at risk of asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and premature death.'' The public wants clean, healthy air. It is no surprise that American voters strongly support maintaining safeguards to protect their health from the dangers of ozone pollution. I have seen great improvement in the air quality over my lifetime back home in Tampa, Florida.…”