Political Quotes

On the recordJune 19, 2012
I rise in strong opposition to the efforts to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency's mercury and air toxics standards or MATS. This far-reaching resolution would severely and permanently undermine EPA's authority to protect our Nation's air from harmful and dangerous pollutants. In New Hampshire, we have long enjoyed bipartisan cooperation when it comes to crafting policies that ensure clean air, a strong economy, and healthy citizens. We do have coal-fired powerplants in New Hampshire, but they have scrubbers on them to clean up the air. When I was Governor, we passed the pollutant bill to address mercury, and it passed with bipartisan support. Nobody appreciates our clean air more than a woman named Lia Houk, from Henniker, NH. She has lived with cystic fibrosis for the past 40 years. In order to breathe, she must use a nebulizer three times a day and has to exercise daily to clear her lungs. When pollution poisons the air, she suffers from chest tightness and lung hemorrhaging that can lead to hospitalization. Pollution also worsens the long-term effects of cystic fibrosis, such as lung scarring, and it causes her disease to progress more rapidly. To protect Lia and millions like her, Congress passed the Clean Air Act, and it has long been one of our most successful public health and environmental laws.…
Said by
Jeanne Shaheen
Democratic · New Hampshire

Share

More from Jeanne Shaheen

Jul 1, 2026

New Hampshire’s shortage of affordable childcare options has placed an enormous burden on families and providers alike. Unfortunately, it’s a persistent and worsening trend we’re seeing across the country.

king.senate.gov
Jul 9, 2026

This is a war that needs to end. The president needs to get back to the negotiating table, but he needs to negotiate a deal that's going to benefit the United States and not Iran.

npr.org
Jul 15, 2026

We want to do everything possible to try and get them to the table.

npr.org
Nov 25, 2025

I’m glad the president is reportedly considering a serious proposal.

apnews.com

Other voices in this conversation