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FW: New West Virginia Asthma Fact Sheets now available
by Peggy Filios 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

From: Keely, Cynthia A [mailto:Cynthia.A.Keely@wv.gov] Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 5:10 PM To: Keely, Cynthia A Cc: Respiratory Care Subject: New West Virginia Asthma Fact Sheets now available Importance: High Hello All: The attached fact sheets are on specific populations in West Virginia who are adversely affected by Asthma along with “care tips for managing asthma” for each group. These items are made possible through the WV Asthma Education and Prevention Program and the WV Health Statistics Center. They can be viewed on the program’s website at www.wvasthma.org under the Statistics and Surveillance tab. Please forward these items to those who may be interested. Thank You, Cynthia Cynthia Keely Wilson, BA, RRT West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program Program Manager 350 Capitol St., Rm 206 Charleston, WV 25301 Office:304-558-0016 Fax:304-558-1553 cynthia.a.keely(a)wv.gov website: www.wvasthma.org P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. 2-sided printing can cut paper use up to 50%.

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current EPA activities...........
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Jun '10

28 Jun '10

EPA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO REDUCE LEAD IN THE ENVIRONMENT EPA will notify the states by October 2010 whether they are attaining or not attaining the revised 2008 national air quality standards for lead. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments will outline how they plan to attain and maintain the new, more rigorous lead emissions standards. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, especially in children. EPA is seeking comment through Aug.16. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/_ (http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/) . EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT TO ADVANCE ADMINISTRATOR JACKSON'S SEVEN PRIORITIES TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT EPA is seeking public comment on a draft plan to protect human health and the environment through the seven priorities: "taking action on climate change, improving air quality, protecting America's waters, cleaning up our communities, assuring the safety of chemicals, expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, and building strong state and tribal partnerships." The public comment period closes July 30. Please submit comments at _http://www.regulations.gov_ (http://www.regulations.gov/) . (Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OA-2010-0486). For the draft plan, go to _http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm_ (http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm) .

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Fw: Article on Environmental health metrics
by Peggy Filios 23 Jun '10

23 Jun '10

I hope you can open this .pdf to see the article " Environmental Metrics for Community Health Improvement" in Prev Chronic Dis 2010;7(4). by Benjamin Jakubowski and Howard Frumkin, MD, DrPH , and check out the table. Peggy Filios http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2010/jul/pdf/09_0242.pdf

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.......hot.news............
by Duane330＠aol.com 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

EPA PROGRAM IMPROVES ASTHMA SUFFERERS' QUALITY OF LIFE Asthma affects the quality of life of 23 million Americans (including 7 million children). In summer, ground-level ozone (smog) rise can aggravate asthma attacks. Not only does outside air affect the health of those with asthma, but indoor air pollutants can also be serious. Although there is no cure, medical treatment and management of _environmental asthma triggers_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/triggers.html) such as _secondhand smoke_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/shs.html) , _dust mites_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/dustmites.html) , _mold_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html) and _nitrogen dioxide_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/no2.html) can help. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/asthma/programs.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/asthma/programs.html) .

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US EPA revisits SO2 and AC
by Duane330＠aol.com 14 Jun '10

14 Jun '10

EPA STRENGTHENS AIR QUALITY STANDARD FOR SO2 TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH EPA is issuing a final 1-hour SO2 standard rule to better protect public health from the adverse effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants. This standard is more protective against short-term exposures ranging from five minutes to 24 hours and will replace the old standard. It is estimated that the new standard will prevent 2,300 to 5,900 premature deaths and 54,000 asthma attacks a year. EPA is also improving the monitoring requirements for SO2 and will identify/designate areas not meeting the new standard by June 2012. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/air/sulfurdioxide_ (http://www.epa.gov/air/sulfurdioxide) EPA OFFERS COOLING TIPS FOR EVERY BUDGET THIS SUMMER EPA's Energy Star program is offering low- to no-cost energy-efficient cooling tips to beat the heat. A typical household spends almost 20 percent of its utility bill on cooling, and by taking steps this summer to improve energy efficiency, you can save energy, save money and help fight climate change. For example: if your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an Energy Star model could cut your cooling costs by 30 percent. Get information about keeping cool and comfortable while saving money this season at _http://www.energystar.gov_ (http://www.energystar.gov/)

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US Senate activities (for your consideration)
by Duane330＠aol.com 08 Jun '10

08 Jun '10

Oppose Senator Murkowski’s Big Oil Bailout The Senate is poised to vote on June 10 on another bailout that protects Big Oil and other polluters. We strongly urge you to contact your Senators to defeat this Big Oil Bailout to reduce America’s oil dependence and protect air quality. Please contact the following Senators and tell them to VOTE NO to the Murkowski Resolution _Senator Herb Kohl (D- WI)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=WIS… four=) 202-224-5653 _Senator Carl Levin (D- MI)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=MIS… sfour=) 202-224-6221 _Senator Arlen Specter (D- PA)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=PAS… plusfour=) 202-224-4254 _Senator Robert C. Byrd (D- WV)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=WVS… &plusfour=) 202-224-3954 _Senator Mark Pryor (D- AR)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=ARJ… sfour=) 202-224-2353 _Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R- ME)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=MES… de=&plusfour=) 202-224-5344 _Senator Susan Collins (R- ME)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=MEJ… plusfour=) 202-224-2523 _Senator Kent Conrad (D- ND)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=NDS… usfour=) 202-224-2043 _Senator Byron Dorgan (D- ND)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=NDJ… lusfour=) 202-224-2551 _Senator Evan Bayh (D- IN)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=INJ… four=) 202-224-5623 _Brown, Scott P. _ (http://scottbrown.senate.gov/) - (R - MA) 202- 224-4543 _Senator Jim Webb (D- VA)_ (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=VAS… our=) 202-224-4024 Gutting the Clean Air Act Senator Murkowski’s resolution guts the Clean Air Act, a law with a proven 40-year history of cost-effectively cutting dangerous pollution, protecting human health and the environment, and spurring innovation. Tell Your Senators Since 1990 when the Clean Air Act became law: · Emissions of six common air pollutants have declined by 41 percent, while gross domestic product has grown by 64 percent, according to the EPA. · From 1997-2007 benefits outweighed the costs by a range of 3 to 1 to as much as 22 to 1. · Lead levels in the ambient air have dropped by 91 percent since 1980, greatly reducing the number of children with IQs below 70 as a result of lead exposure according to the EPA. The EPA has made absolutely clear that it does not intend to regulate small sources. EPA’s new rule, which begins to take effect in 2011, requires coal-fired power plants (by far the nation’s largest source of the pollution), oil refineries, and other large polluters to use available technology to cut pollution when new facilities are constructed or existing facilities are upgraded in ways that increase pollution. Senator Murkowski’s resolution would halt clean vehicles initiative. America would use at least 450 million more barrels of oil as a result of blocking the new clean cars standards according to the Environmental Protection Agency. All told, the impact on our oil dependence would be substantial because the Clean Air Act is the country’s most powerful policy tool to cut oil use through emission standards for vehicles. Senator Murkowski is the # 3 recipient in Congress of money from Big Oil and the #2 recipient of money from electric utilities so far this election cycle.------------------------------------- Samuel E. Flenner III Outreach Associate Environmental Integrity Project _samf.environmentalintegrity(a)gmail.com_ (mailto:samf.environmentalintegrity@gmail.com) 317.352.2339 c-317.850.0436

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EPA offers information to the public
by Duane330＠aol.com 01 Jun '10

01 Jun '10

EPA WEB SITE OFFERS MORE TOXIC CHEMICAL INFORMATION EPA is increasing the chemical information that certain industries and federal facilities must submit under the Toxic Substances Control Act _(TSCA)_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri/) . More than 6,300 chemicals and 3,800 chemical facilities are now available for analysis on how they affect our air, water and land. In the months ahead, EPA intends to increase the information and to make the public portion of the TSCA inventory free of charge to the public. For the agency's Envirofacts Web site, go to _http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/tsca/index.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/tsca/index.html) For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/enhanchems.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/enhanchems.html) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ELECTRIC UTILITIES RELEASE PLANS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF THEIR COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENTS EPA is releasing action plans from 16 electric utility facilities with 40 coal ash impoundments, to keep the public informed on the safety of these impoundments and facilities. The plans explain how the facilities will prevent coal ash impoundment spills such the one that occurred in Kingston, Tn. in 2008. EPA has also proposed regulations for the safe disposal and management of coal ash from coal-fired power plants to protect human health and the environment. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index .htm_ (http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index…)

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Fwd: FW: West Virginia air pollution
by James Kotcon 28 May '10

28 May '10

Anyone want to prepare comments to EPA? JBK ______________________________________________ From: David Baron Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 10:39 AM To: Steve Roady; Jennifer Chavez; Emma Cheuse Subject: West Virginia air pollution All, EPA has proposed to approve a West Virginia SIP that is supposed to provide for general implementation of PM2.5 standards in the state. This is not a SIP to bring nonattainment areas into attainment -- those are done separately -- but this SIP is supposed to set up the infrastructure for implementing the PM2.5 standards throughout the state, including monitoring requirements, adequate enforcement authority, adequate resources to administer and enforce permitting and other requirements, and miscellaneous other provisions. We contend that states are also required to ensure through these SIPs that they have in place adequate PSD programs for PM2.5: EPA disagrees, claiming that the states can address PSD requirements in a separate SIP. I have not followed the West Virginia air program, but thought you might want to pass this along to Joe, Derek and other interested folks in WV, in case they want to comment. This is a good opportunity for folks to raise any concerns they have about the adequacy of the state's air pollution control program, whether it's inadequate monitoring, deficient legal authority, inadequate resources for oversight, weak enforcement authority, or other matters. I'm planning to put together some short comments addressing some basic legal issues, but don't know enough about the state of things there to do much more than that. Relevant documents are attached. Comments are due June 16. David ______________________________________ David Baron Managing Attorney Earthjustice 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 702 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 667-4500 Ext. 203 (phone) (202) 667-2356 (fax) dbaron(a)earthjustice.org <mailto:dbaron@earthjustice.org>

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(no subject)
by duane330＠aol.com 27 May '10

27 May '10

Science 28 May 2010: Vol. 328. no. 5982, p. 1085 DOI: 10.1126/science.328.5982.1085 News of the Week - - - Climate Change: NRC Reports Strongly Advocate Action on Global Warming Richard A. Kerr and Eli Kintisch The three reports released last week by the National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) had a familiar theme—the human-induced warming of the planet—but the tone, especially as presented to the public, was less familiar. The 2-year effort involving 90 scientists "emphasizes why the United States should act now," Ralph Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), said at a public briefing. The reports also have a few words about how the nation should act, which might influence a lively debate on a proposed Senate climate bill. The science supporting the why of action on climate change recalled the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). "Climate change is occurring, Earth is warming," said environmental scientist Pamela Matson of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, chair of the NRC panel on advancing the science of climate change, one of three separate panels that produced the trio of reports. "These climate changes are largely caused by human activities." But this was no rehashing of the IPCC report, which has taken considerable flak of late. The new NRC reports draw on the past 5 years of peer-reviewed literature, which was published too late for inclusion in the IPCC analysis, Matson emphasized. They also reflect findings from more than a score of reports from the U.S. Global Change Research Program and earlier efforts from NAS. The membership of the three NRC panels also had little overlap with that of the IPCC's working groups, says economist Gary Yohe of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, an IPCC veteran who was on the NRC panel on adapting to climate change. Yohe says he was surprised to find at the panel's inaugural meeting that three-quarters of his fellow members were unfamiliar to him. Call to action. Ralph Cicerone introduced climate reports detailing why the nation should act now. [Larger version of this image] Although NRC tasked the panel on limiting the magnitude of future climate change with providing "policy-relevant (but not policy-prescriptive) input," the panel did recommend that "the United States set a future greenhouse gas emissions target in the form of an emissions budget," said panel chair Robert Fri of Resources for the Future in Washington, D.C. And the NAS press release said a "reasonable goal" would be emissions of 170 to 200 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2012 through 2050. In recommending a carbon budget and a target range, the panels "did go farther than IPCC could," says climate scientist Stephen Schneider of Stanford University, who was not involved in the NRC reports. "There were more words like ‘should’ than you normally have with IPCC." And the press release takes the emission budget goal a step further, noting that it is "a goal that is roughly in line with the range of emission reduction targets proposed recently by the Obama Administration and members of Congress." But can the report help bolster the proposals' chances of becoming law? "That's the $64,000 question," says ecologist Peter Frumhoff of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would probably keep the United States under the emissions budget, but action has been slow in the Senate. There, senators John Kerry (D–MA) and Joe Lieberman (ID–CT) have introduced a package with the same goals as the House version's but more flexibility and with subsidies for nuclear and fossil fuel industries. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D–NV) recently announced a go-slow approach, which might see votes as late as July. But elections loom in the fall, and climate lobbyists worry that the closer elections get, the more hyperpartisan the atmosphere will be. It's unclear whether science can change that. Myron Ebell of the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., rattles off a number of Democrats in the House who supported last year's bill but have either publicly repudiated their vote or retired. "Cap-and-trade is dead," he says. Said a Senate staffer: "I'm hoping this will help push the issue, but I don't think we are at a place where scientific reports can find that influence."

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Pittsburgh's GASP report ..............
by duane330＠aol.com 27 May '10

27 May '10

Having trouble viewing this email? www.gasp-pgh.org GASPalerts Action and News from Group Against Smog and Pollution JOIN OUR LIST IN THIS ISSUE Upcoming Events Become a member of GASP today May 27, 2010 Take Action Join GASP, Pittsburgh United, Clean Water Action, and the Sierra Club for the introduction of important Clean Water and Clean Air Legislation in Pittsburgh. Councilman Bill Peduto, lead sponsor of the legislation, will introduce two bills, one related to storm water run-off in major economic development projects and one related to reducing diesel emissions during construction of major projects on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010. We need you there to show support for these important pieces of legislation. Press Conference 9:30am, Tuesday, June 1st 5th Floor, City County Building 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, 15219 Let us know if you are able to attend by emailing gasp(a)gasp-pgh.org The Issues: Reducing Diesel Emissions Let us know if you are able to attend by emailing gasp(a)gasp-pgh.org The Issues: Reducing Diesel Emissions Diesel emissions harm our health, our environment and our economy. Publicly-funded development should be a partner in protecting our health and environment. Diesel soot cancer risk in Pittsburgh area is 408 times greater than EPA's acceptable cancer level of 1 in a million. Our risk is 1 in 2,449. Pittsburgh area workers are projected to miss 13,558 days of work in 2010 because of unnecessary exposure to diesel fine particles Kids' emergency room visits for asthma-like symptoms are 400% higher in Pittsburgh than other cities Black carbon, emitted by diesels, is one of the largest contributing pollutants to global warming This clean construction legislation will require that contracts for publicly-funded development in the City of Pittsburgh must ensure that all diesel vehicles on site have the Best Available Diesel Control Technology installed and that ultra low sulfur diesel fuel is used in construction vehicles. Mitigating Storm Water Run-off During heavy rainstorms, storm water run-off forces un-treated sewage into our rivers. Publicly funded development should lead the way in innovative techniques to control and drastically reduce this problem. During nearly two thirds of the days of our city's boating season, the water is not safe to touch. The current estimate for ALCOSAN's portion of the EPA mandated repairs to its system is estimated to be from $3 billion to as much as $20 billion. Most of us get our drinking water from the three rivers The Clean Water bill will require developments that receive our tax dollars to drastically reduce their storm water run-off. Upcoming Event GASLAND When: Saturday, June 5th 7:00pm-10:00pm, doors open at 6:15pm Where: Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 What: Award-winning documentary on the impacts of drilling for natural gas Panel Discussion following movie featuring: Myron Arnowitt (Clean Water Action), Representative Dave Levdansky, Ned Mulcahy (Three Rivers Waterkeeper), John Stolz (Duquesne University), Conrad Dan Volz (CHEC) Moderated by Josh Fox, GASLAND filmmaker Admission is FREE For more information call 412-624-9379 or 412-765-3053 www.gaslandthemovie.com Thank you to everyone who attended, Before You Flip That Switch: The Hidden Costs of Energy. If you missed the event, the presentation by Dr. Jared Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon University, can be found on the GASP website. Thanks to our event sponsors: AJ Stones - Master Green Remodeler, West Penn Energy Solutions & Vox Energy Solutions. Help us be as effective as possible by becoming a member or renewing your membership today. Over the last forty years, through education, advocacy, helping to set regional and local environmental policy, and at times entering into litigation, GASP has made a positive impact on our region's air quality and environment. Help us to continue this important work in 2010. Gift memberships also available! Membership details and instructions for donating can be found here. We appreciate your participation on the GASPalerts email list. Working together, we can make a difference in our region's environment. We won't trade or sell your address with other organizations or inundate you with mailings. Thank you. Sincerely, Group Against Smog and Pollution and Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition

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