Lung Association Applauds Senators Stabenow and Peters for Standing Up For The Health of Michigan Families

LANSING MI (11/17/2015)(readMedia)-- Today, in response to Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters' votes against Congressional Review Act resolutions S.J. Res. 23 and 24, which would permanently block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, Ken Fletcher of the American Lung Association in Michigan issued the following statement:

"We are pleased that Senators Stabenow and Peters voted to protect families here in Michigan from dangerous power plant carbon pollution."

"Communities across Michigan have long-suffered from power plant pollution, and are now experiencing the health effects of climate change. Thankfully, the Clean Power Plan is an opportunity to reduce pollution, including carbon pollution that drives climate change, and protect our health. The Clean Power Plan will prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths and 90,000 asthma attacks every year once fully implemented."

Senators Stabenow and Peters' votes against the Congressional Review Act resolutions show their commitment to addressing climate change and protecting the health of families in Michigan, especially those who are most vulnerable, including children, those who suffer from asthma and minority communities.

"Despite our Senators standing strong, the American Lung Association in Michigan is disappointed that the Senate passed these dangerous resolutions that would permanently block EPA from implementing limits on carbon pollution from power plants, and would also prevent EPA from moving forward with any substantially similar action in the future."

"The American Lung Association in Michigan thanks Senators Stabenow and Peters for their decision to put the health of Michigan families first, and calls upon Michigan's members of the House of Representatives to oppose these resolutions. Our families and our children deserve nothing less."

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About the American Lung Association in Michigan

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer, to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.