1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Fair Air Enforcement Act (S. 3049) introduced by Senator Mike Lee. This misguided legislation seeks to repeal Section 304 of the Clean Air Act, which currently allows citizens to file lawsuits against businesses and the EPA for violations of clean air standards. This proposal is not only anti-constituent but also a direct threat to environmental protection and public health. The Clean Air Act has been a cornerstone of environmental protection since its inception. Section 304, in particular, empowers citizens to act as watchdogs, ensuring that both industries and regulatory agencies are held accountable for maintaining air quality standards. By characterizing these citizen-led efforts as "frivolous lawsuits" brought by "climate extremists," Senator Lee is dismissing the legitimate concerns of constituents who have a vested interest in the air they breathe. Limiting enforcement suits to state governments and relevant agencies only, as proposed by S. 3049, would significantly weaken our ability to protect clean air. State agencies and governments may lack the resources, political will, or independence to pursue all necessary enforcement actions. Citizen suits have historically played a crucial role in identifying and addressing violations that might otherwise go unchecked. The timing of this bill is particularly concerning. Introduced just last Thursday, it appears to be a hasty attempt to roll back environmental protections without proper public discourse or scientific consideration. The Clean Air Act's citizen suit provision has been in place for decades, serving as a vital tool for environmental protection. Dismantling it now would be a significant step backward in our nation's commitment to clean air and public health. I urge you to stand with your constituents and against this harmful legislation. Please vote no on the Fair Air Enforcement Act (S. 3049) and continue to support policies that protect our right to clean air and a healthy environment. Our ability to breathe clean air should not be compromised for the sake of shielding polluters from accountability.