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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Raviya Ismail, Earthjustice, (202) 745-5221
Dorothy Felix, Mossville Environmental Action Now, (337) 377-9068
Matthew Tejada, Air Alliance Houston, (713) 528-3779
Jane Williams, Sierra Club, (661) 256-2101
Marylee Orr, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, (225) 928-1315

EPA Reconsiders Deficient PVC Air Rule

Recognizes need to seek public comment and address affected communities’ concerns

WASHINGTON

On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to environmental and community groups who challenged its 2012 air rule for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plants announcing that it will reconsider this rule that failed to adequately limit air pollution nation-wide and singled out two PVC plants in Mossville, Louisiana and Deer Park, Texas for the most lax limits and worst protection. The EPA's decision is great news for communities who are burdened by this toxic air pollution.

The following statement is from Dorothy Felix of Mossville, La. and a member of Mossville Environmental Action Now (MEAN):

"This is a strong step forward in Administrator Lisa Jackson's commitment to environmental justice. Now, we are counting on the EPA to propose a new rule that limits air pollution for everyone affected by PVC plants, including our community.

"We hope that when the EPA reviews this faulty rule and puts it out for public comment they will come up with a strong safeguard that protects our air and lungs. We have been breathing this toxic air for far too long."

The following statement is from Matthew Tejada, director of Air Alliance Houston, which works in the Deer Park, Texas community:

"It is wonderful that Administrator Lisa Jackson has decided to hear from our affected communities and consider how to fix the problems with its air rule. Now we will look to the EPA to follow through and set stronger limits to protect our health."

Additional Information:

Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth, and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. We bring about far-reaching change by enforcing and strengthening environmental laws on behalf of hundreds of organizations, coalitions and communities.

800-584-6460