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### MD NAACP Clean Air/Environmenttestimony

I am Elbridge James and Iam here on behave ofthe thousands ofNAACP members and families in Maryland who supportthe standards being set by the Environmental protection Agency to raise carbon pollution standards for power plants in the United States. I speak not only as one who will benefitfrom this increased protection ofcleaner air; butfor millions ofpeople in Maryland, including the elderly, children and the infirmed who every day experience a quality of life that is either diminished or improved as a result ofairthey are forced to breathe.

I do not pretend to have experience the difficulties suffered by persons inflicted with illnesses due to breathing difficulties; but I have witnessed the pain and anguish ofwatching others, including my mother, who suffer a slow deterioration and eventual death due to breathing problems. As the legislative advocate for the NAACP in Maryland I have witnessed the testimony ofhealth care providers and their patients who ask for greaterfunding fortreatment and relieve from their illnesses, many ofwhich were aggravated by exposureto air born toxins and pollutants such as mercury, arsenic, lead, sulfurdioxide, and nitrogen oxide.

During the lastdecadewe have fought to see improvements in our airquality in Maryland. In the "Clean Air Progress in Maryland" report (April 2012), thatwas released by the Maryland Department of Environment, a major highlight is the steady increase in the number ofmoderate to good airquality days overthe decade. The report credits the implementing the Maryland Healthy AirAct, which has the toughest power plant emission law on the east coast, for developing standards and policies that have led to the higher airquality. Butthe report also notes that pollution from surrounding states continues to be a top contributorto the states' ground-level ozone problem.

Whereas, the Md. State NAACP applauds the state's earlierefforts. We also believe thatthe currentfiscal crisis (both at the federal and state levels) is putting unreasonable pressure on government officials to weaken efforts to improving standards and regulations needed to protect residents ofthe state and this nation. The NAACP sees these attempts to weaken this protection as a continuation of the attacks on all Americans, especially the poorand disadvantaged who cannot afford high priced lobbyistto protectthem (and their children) when legislation is passed in Congress or a state's legislature.

We are looking at an industry- the coal industry- that, for decades, exploited workers for profit and only afterfederal intervention through mandated regulations have these workers received some rights and job safety protection. This is the
same industrythat for decades has fought current clean-air standards that today
are recognized as only minimally sufficient in addressing or preventing the release ofmore toxins in ouratmosphere. This is an industrythat continues to cry poverty because ofthe higher cost ofmeeting the proposed standards.

NAACP Maryland State Political Action- P.O. Box I0952- Rockville, Maryland 20849The aforementioned Maryland report states: "Ozone and fine particles are Maryland's biggest air issues. Both pollutants are created from fuel-burning
sources such as vehicles, electric utilities and industrial boilers. These pollutants

can irritate the respiratory system causing coughing, throat irritation and chest pains. They are also linked to premature death."

As consumers-and as Americans- we look to the federal governmentto work with business and industry to set standards for the safe delivery ofservices and products. But in that relationship, we expect and demand that the government always take the position that the welfare ofthe American people must be protected above all else. These are guiding principles that has outlawed child labor in the workplace, banished lead gasoline in cars and asbestos from our homes, and is now seeking to provide a health care safety netfor all Americans. All oftheses are health and safety precautions that have improved the quality and longevity of life in America.

Again, citing the "Clean Air Progress in Marvland" report, "Addressing air pollutants from neighboring states is a priority for Maryland. Maryland is urging the EPAto adoptfederal rules to reduce emissions from these states. Maryland is also working with EPA and other states to use provisions in the federal Clean AirActto ensure that these reductions in upwind states become effective." The poor, children, working adults, the sick and disabled have little to no resources to fight for their survival againstforces that place exorbitant profit overthe welfare of
our citizens. What is more important-the health ofourchildren and families or allowing corporate entities to buy the newest Learjetor vacation in Hawaii?? This notthe time to turn the clock back on clean airstandards.

The Maryland NAACP urges this bodyto supportthe EPA call for implementing improved clean air standards. We thank you for considering oursupport ofthis
measure and we welcome any questions you may have. I can be reached by phone on 301-213-9657 or e-mail: elbridgej@gmail.com

Respectfully,

Elbridge James Chair, Political Action Maryland State NAACP

NAACP Maryland State Political Action- P.O. Box I0952- Rockville, Maryland 20849