The report compares the premature deaths that would result under the Bush administration's air pollution plan, the existing Clean Air Act, and a proposal sponsored by Senator Jim Jeffords to strengthen the Clean Air Act. The Administration's proposal would allow 4,000 preventable premature deaths each year compared with simply enforcing current law, while repealing the very safeguards that could save those lives.

Clear the Air also launched http://www.cleartheair.org/ dirtypower, a related interactive Web site that enables the public to learn about the health problems caused by power plants in their town, city, and state.

The report's Web site graphically shows how local power plants contribute to death and disease, including premature deaths from lung cancer and other cardiovascular diseases, non-fatal heart attacks, asthma attacks, emergency room visits for respiratory problems, and lost work days. Visitors to the site can also view how the numbers of premature deaths caused by air pollution vary under the Bush administration's plan, current law, and Senator Jeffords' bipartisan proposal to strengthen the Clean Air Act. By 2020, the Jeffords bill would save 100,000 more lives than the Bush administration's bill.

"The new Web site cuts through the spin, shows how state pollution-related numbers stack up against other states, and shows how the Bush administration's dirty air plan will really affect public health," continued Ledford. "The American people have the opportunity to shape federal proposals by letting the Administration know that we need stronger, not weaker, clean air protections.

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