Allergy \•i,, &Asthma ~ NETWORK -...... 

' ', ~' July 29, 2014 

EPA Public Hearings on the Clean Power Plan 

William Jefferson Clinton East Building, Room 1152 

1201 Constitution Ave, NW 

Washington, DC 20004 

Re: EPA Public Hearings on the Clean Power Plan 

Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) is a leading grassroots 

patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the needless death and suffering due 

to asthma, allergies and related conditions. During the past 29 years, AANMA has 

worked alongside hundreds of thousands of patients, caregivers and health care 

professionals to achieve optimal health outcomes. 

AANMA appreciates the opportunity to provide comments to EPA regarding carbon 

pollution and lessening the burden on the greater than 26 million Americans whose 

lungs are affected by asthma. We trust our comments will assist the committees in their 

deliberation on this important matter. 

AANMA urges EPA to adopt standards protecting public health and reducing the 

real threats climate change poses today and for generations to come. 

First and foremost, as the mother of five I am personally concerned about my 

own children's health. 

My children love to play outdoors and I encourage them to do so; however, I am 

concerned about the long-term future they face with increased pollution and hotter 

summer days. My 11-year-old daughter, Katelyn, has asthma so we watch the weather 

forecasts and air pollution reports with great interest. In fact, on days with the worst air 

quality she often must stay indoors and be more vigilant about carrying her medication 

with her in case of an emergency. 

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting more than 7 million children in the U.S. Every day 

in our country 9-10 people die from asthma. To many, these may be nameless 

statistics, but to AANMA they are family members like Christopher Ledford, Krissy 

Taylor and Benjamin Buckley. 

Studies clearly demonstrate asthma is a complex disease with multiple causes and 

contributing factors. Among those factors, the level of C02 emissions and its effects on 

respiratory health are most important. In fact, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide irritate 

the lungs, trigger asthma exacerbations and increase the risk of hospitalizations and ER 

visits. 

8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 260 Vienna, VA 22182 800.878.4403 www.aanma.org 
Allergy 'J 

Asthma 

N E TWORK 

, ' 

Secondly, we need the Clean Power Plan to protect public health. 

Power plant pollution makes people sick and is proven to cut lives short. Steps to cut 

carbon pollution will also impact other pollutants and reduce the burden of air pollution 

today and tomorrow. In fact, research shows reducing carbon pollution in accordance 

with the plan would reduce 100,000 asthma attacks in 2020 and 150,000 in 2030. 

EPA must take action because climate change poses real threats, including increased 

heat, drought and extreme weather events. The Clean Power Plan is flexible and 

encourages states to use effective tools to reduce carbon pollution. State leaders will be 

able to craft an approach to reduce pollution and meet the goals set forth. 

Allergy & Asthma Network stands before you today representing one thing--patients' 

best interests. We seek no commercial benefit nor have further ulterior motives. We 

provide these comments to help EPA adopt the strongest standards in the Clean Power 

Plan so that my children and millions like them will have a brighter, healthier future. 

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8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 260 Vienna, VA 22 182 800.878.4403 www.aann1a.org