On the recordNovember 10, 2011
Mr. President, I rise today to support the cross-State air pollution rule that protects downwind eastern States such as New Jersey from upwind power pollution plants' dirty air, and I rise in defense of the lives and the breathable air of the people of New Jersey, all 9 million plus. Last week I asked the Governor of my State to join this fight. After all, this rule is supported by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and our largest utility, because it is good for business. They know it is only fair to level the playing field for New Jersey businesses, since we have already substantially cleaned up our electric generation facilities. We are meeting our obligations. The rule is supported by just about everyone in the public health community because it will save an estimated 1,200 lives per year in New Jersey beginning in 2014. Nationally, it will save up to 34,000 lives, prevent 400,000 asthma attacks, and avoid 1.8 million lost sick days per year starting in 2014. The economic benefits of this rule are estimated to reach anywhere from $120 billion to $280 billion each year. We are all focused like a laser beam on the economy, as we should be, on jobs and their creation, as we should be, on reducing deficits and looking at the bottom line. But this rule does not create or force a choice between trying to grow this economy, creating jobs, and reducing deficits. It is a good rule for the economy.…





