It is difficult to describe the depths of disappointment inspired by the decision of the President to order the withdrawal of the draft standards for “ground level ozone” – a pollutant that causes massive harm to the public health, causing special harm to the elderly and children.
The public health medical and advocacy communities have slammed this move – with good reason given the very real price in human health of this decision.
It is especially a regrettable decision for New Englanders. Up here in the tailpipe of America we deal with bad air created not just by local pollution but also real harm created by air pollution coming from power plants, factories and cars across the continent, particularly the Midwest.
And while this decision is bad enough the even more chilling possibility is that it might signal the beginning of a general retreat from the Obama Administration’s good efforts on air pollution – a record that, unsurprisingly, was on display the same day as this decision.
This decision marks out a need to continue to maintain pressure on the administration, Congress and to continue to work on the local, state and regional levels to reduce air pollution. Our health, our environment and our economy will thank us for it.
Sonia
I have to say that I am indeed extremely disappointed by this decision. I have always been an advocate of President Obama – mostly in the sense that this is VERY ungrateful time to be a President and I have generally supported his decision despite the fact they would be my ideal choice.
The decision on the issue about is mainly upsetting because the main reason to do so is not to have businesses go through this hassle when is such a tough economic environment….
To me – this seems like a step to dark ages. I cannot say that I am in any way well versed in this issue and I do admit that I lack some complexity on understanding these decisions but I cannot see how is THIS decision going make our economy better????
Doreen Morse
It is discouraging to note that for the benefit of politics our health and welfare are constantly being abandoned by a President who we thought we could trust. It doesn’t make me want to re-elect him.
John Rokas
I have been suffering with chronic COPD for years. Thank you President Obama for shortening my already short life -and all others- who suffer with this disease.