Preserve EPA's power to protect environment, public health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the environment since its establishment in 1970. Before the EPA's existence, unchecked industrial pollution led to catastrophic events like rivers catching on fire and hazardous smog enveloping cities, causing numerous deaths. The EPA has since made significant strides in regulating emissions, cleaning up contaminated sites, and enforcing environmental laws. For example, concentrations of common air pollutants like sulfur dioxide have dropped by as much as 78% due to EPA regulations. The agency's actions have also mitigated disasters like acid rain, the impacts of leaded gasoline, and the hazards of chemicals like DDT. It classified secondhand smoke as a carcinogen, paving the way for reduced smoking rates. Despite this progress, the EPA now faces relentless attacks and attempts to weaken its authority. A strong EPA is vital to continue protecting public health, preserving nature, and combating climate change. Weakening this agency would undo decades of environmental progress and expose Americans to unacceptable health risks. For these reasons, I urge maintaining a robust EPA with the resources and legal authority necessary to fulfill its indispensable mission.