"For the second time this year, EPA is making official what we all know to be true-Tennessee communities and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have serious air quality problems," said Don Barger, Southeast region senior director for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). "Unfortunately, the agency is often a step behind, and health studies in recent years already show this particle standard needs to be strengthened to prevent avoidable, premature deaths."

Particulate matter suspended in the air comes from power plant and diesel engine pollution as well as dust and pollen. This pollution causes serious health problems in its smallest form, 2.5 microns or less in diameter-PM2.5. When inhaled, this pollution can become imbeded in the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Studies show it is a serious health concern linked to both lung cancer and heart attacks. Particle pollution from power plants alone shortens the lives of nearly 24,000 Americans annually by as many as 14 years including nearly 1,000 Tennesseeans. This pollution also ruins mountain scenery in the Smokies and contributes to acid rain making the Great Smoky Mountains America's most polluted national park.

"Air pollution threatens the well being of Tennessee's citizens, economy, and natural heritage," said Will Callaway, executive director for the Tennessee Environmental Council. "We need strong leadership from Governor Bredesen as well as our elected federal representatives to strengthen and enforce, not weaken and abandon our air quality laws."

Next year, the Bush administration plans to push forward its power plant legislation that would fall far short of the necessary reductions and dismantle core Clean Air Act programs. At the same time, proposed regulations to clean up soot and smog from power plants appear to be stalled indefinitely. Groups are urging EPA to finalize a strengthened rule to clean up non-attainment areas in addition to pending regional haze proposal to protect parks.

"We need federal solutions that are based on good science and that protect the health of the people of Tennessee," said Valerie True, clean air program coordinator for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "Unfortunately, under the administration's plan many east Tennessee residents would still be breathing unhealthy air in 2015 and beyond. EPA should act responsibly by strengthening the proposed rules and holding true to its promise to finalize it in addition to the pending park haze rule."

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NPCA -- Protecting Parks for Future Generations(r)

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation's natural, historical, and cultural heritage for generations to come. For more information, please visit NPCA online at http://www.npca.org

Tennessee Environmental Council

The Tennessee Environmental Council has been working to educate and advocate for the protection of the environment and public health since 1970. TEC works statewide and is committed to the reduction of air and water pollution and the conservation of land. More information available at http://www.tectn.org

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization working with citizens for clean air, clean water and healthy communities in the Southeast by advancing energy efficient and sustainable energy policies, promoting clean energy technologies, and holding polluters to higher standards. For more information, go to: http://www.cleanenergy.org

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