Frank Pallone: “The RED Tape Act would exempt major Federal projects and regulations from any scrutiny of their impacts on air quality…”

“The RED Tape Act would exempt major Federal projects and regulations from any scrutiny of their impacts on air quality and public health from EPA experts. The bill would also make the permitting process less transparent by removing the requirement that EPA comments be made available to the public. Now, clean, safe air is a fundamental human right, in my opinion. The Clean Air Act exists to protect that right. Air pollution is associated with over 100,000 premature deaths in the United States every year, and particulate matter is among the most dangerous forms of air pollution. Air pollution presents serious health risks to our communities every day. Over 100 million Americans live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution with children, the elderly, low-income communities, and communities of color being disproportionately at risk. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA's analysis and comments on major Federal projects and potential impacts must be made public. This transparency is a key feature to hold the government accountable and is the reason why most agencies take EPA's suggestions.”