U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pushing for new required guidelines for companies in Connecticut to help battle the smog and air quality problem in the region.
According to an April 12 EPA news release, smog pollution is a serious threat to public health and contributes to higher likelihood for respiratory infections, asthma attacks and hospital visits for severe health problems.
"With these proposed determinations, we are fulfilling our duty under the Clean Air Act to monitor air quality and work with states to help reduce pollution and protect the public we serve," EPA Administration Michael S. Regan said in the release.
EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash echoed the sentiment, saying the smog problem is a priority for the EPA to address, according to the release.
"EPA's proposed rulemaking will help ensure that Connecticut's air quality improves, including in areas that might be disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution. The state of Connecticut has made great strides to implement control strategies to help improve air quality," Cash said in the release. "EPA is committed to continue its strong partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, while also working to implement actions to address pollution from upwind states and set stronger emissions standards for mobile sources, both of which contribute to unhealthy air quality levels in Connecticut."
In the release, the EPA said more than 79 million Americans currently live in areas that fail to meet air quality standards for smog.
