The proposed standards are in response to strong evidence that both ground level ozone and fine particulates cause or exacerbate a number of serious respiratory conditions, particularly among children and the elderly, and oftresidents of congested and industrial areas. A 1996 study by Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that the total premature mortality attributable to air pollution is over 60,000 Americans each year. Pikuah nefesh, the cautious protection of human health and life, is of paramount importance in Jewish law. Government must take the measures necessary to protect the public from harmful pollution.
All people deserve equal protection from environmental pollution.
Regulations should protect those who are particularly vulnerable to pollution-related illness, such as children and the elderly. Sound science should underlie all regulations. If there is uncertainty, or disagreement among scientific bodies, regulations should cautiously and prudently err in favor of protecting human life and health.