Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, the gentleman prior to me asked, where is the common sense? Well, common sense begins with science, and the science is clear. I want to let the gentleman know that all sense is not common sense. In this instance, common sense begins with the science, and the science is absolutely clear that EPA must be able to reduce toxic pollution from the cement manufacturing process. Cement kilns across the U.S. produce more toxic air pollutants, including mercury, arsenic, acid gases, hydrochloric acid, dioxins, and other harmful pollutants that add to the nation's problems with soot and smog. Cement kilns are the third-largest source of mercury emissions in the U.S. Toxic air pollutants can cause cancer, impair brain development and the ability to learn, damage the eyes, skin, and breathing passages, harm the kidneys, harm the lungs, harm the nervous system, and cause pulmonary and cardiovascular disease and premature death. Cleaning up cement kilns saves lives and protects children from hazardous air pollutants. EPA estimates that reducing toxic pollution from cement kilns can save up to 2,500 lives each year by 2013. The limit will annually prevent 1,500 heart attacks, 17,000 asthma attacks, over 1,700 hospital and emergency room visits, and 130,000 missed days of work. The most vulnerable populations depend on the EPA to protect them from the harmful health effects of cement kiln pollution.…”