Rep. Castor Slams 'Dirty, Pro-Polluter Resolution' Threatening Public Health

Opposition to S.J.Res.31

• ⚠️ Representative Kathy Castor rises in strong opposition to S.J.Res.31, labeling it a 'dirty, pro-polluter resolution' that will increase hazardous air pollution.
• 🎯 The resolution aims to nullify an EPA rule requiring major sources of persistent and bioaccumulative hazardous air pollutants to comply with emission standards.

Impact on Public Health

• ☢️ This resolution is expected to expose more Americans to cancer-causing toxins, neurological damage, and potentially death.
• 🏭 Approximately 1,800 industrial facilities, including chemical plants, refineries, and pesticide manufacturers, will be allowed to increase their pollution output.
• 📈 In Florida alone, 72 polluting facilities are anticipated to escape regulation and emit hazardous air pollution.

Broader Political Context

• 💰 Castor criticizes the GOP's priorities, stating they are focused on a 'billionaire boondoggle bill' (a tax giveaway) and gutting the Clean Air Act, rather than addressing the rising cost of living for constituents.
• 🏥 The resolution is linked to a larger bill that also aims to strip healthcare from millions of Americans by gutting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

'Pay-to-Play' Scheme

• 💸 A concerning aspect of the associated bill is a 'pay-to-play' scheme allowing big oil polluters to pay a $1 million fee to expedite the approval of polluting gas plants.
• ⚡ This scheme prioritizes special interests over the public's interest, potentially raising electric bills and neglecting renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Historical Protections

• 📜 For decades, Congress has recognized the severe health dangers of hazardous air pollutants, including cancer, birth defects, developmental disorders, and neurological problems, even at low exposure levels.
• 🚫 Castor emphasizes that no Congress has ever stripped away protections against toxic air pollution, and this should not be the time to start.