Recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.
Summary
Senate Resolution 561 acknowledges the detrimental health effects of particulate matter pollution, including heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death. The resolution highlights the composition of particulate matter, its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, and its association with various health problems. It also notes the disproportionate impact on children and those living near fossil fuel-fired power plants.
The resolution urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain and enforce safe nationwide standards for particulate matter. The resolution is primarily focused on public health and environmental protection by addressing air pollution.
This resolution serves as a formal recognition of the dangers of particulate matter pollution and advocates for continued regulatory action.
Expected Effects
If the EPA acts in accordance with the sense of the Senate, the effect would be the continuation, and potential strengthening, of existing air quality regulations. This could lead to reduced levels of particulate matter in the air, resulting in improved public health outcomes. The resolution itself does not create new laws or regulations, but it signals Congressional support for stricter environmental standards.
Potential Benefits
- Improved air quality, leading to better respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Reduced incidence of heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death.
- Enhanced protection for vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Potential for increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs due to improved public health.
- Reinforces the importance of environmental regulations in safeguarding public health.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased compliance costs for industries that emit particulate matter.
- Possible resistance from industries that may view stricter regulations as burdensome.
- No immediate or direct legal impact, as the resolution is non-binding.
- The resolution's effectiveness depends on the EPA's response and ability to enforce regulations.
- Could lead to debates about the economic impact of environmental regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." While the Constitution does not explicitly mention environmental regulations, the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) has been interpreted to include environmental protection measures that affect commerce. The resolution itself does not enact any laws but expresses the sense of the Senate, which falls within its legislative function.
Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but environmental regulation has been an area of shared federal and state responsibility. The resolution encourages the EPA to maintain nationwide standards, which implies a federal role in setting minimum environmental protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).