Democratic senators launch inquiry into EPA’s repeal of key air pollution enforcement measure

Democratic senators, led by Sheldon Whitehouse, have launched an inquiry into the EPA's recent decision to stop assigning monetary value to the health benefits of reducing air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter and ozone. The EPA argues the estimates contain too much uncertainty. Previously, the agency factored in outcomes like fewer premature deaths and reduced illness when assessing the benefits of cleaner air. The senators criticize the policy change, stating it undermines the EPA's mandate to protect human health. They are requesting documents and details from the EPA by February 26th to understand the agency's reasoning and decision-making process, including whether outside parties were consulted. The inquiry also questions if the EPA plans to stop quantifying health effects for other pollutants.

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