Christine Todd Whitman, the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, is now currently considering whether to finalize a new rule that would address this serious problem. Please send a letter asking Ms. Whitman to proceed with the Regional Haze Rule to protect our eastern forest, wilderness and rivers. This will allow you to send a free efax to Administrator Whitman asking her to follow through on this rulemaking and clear the air. Sign-ons will be accepted until August 30. We commend the Administration for tackling a problem largely ignored in the nearly quarter century since the Clean Air Act of 1977 required the return of pristine air to the nation's parks.
Swift action is now necessary to ensure that actual progress is made toward achieving that goal.
The expansive overlooks and scenic vistas that once graced America's national parks and wilderness areas are in danger. Over the past half-century, they have become shrouded in haze and smog. In parks like Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains, dirty air has reduced summertime visibility from natural conditions of 80-90 miles down to an average of 12 miles. In Western parks, the natural visual range of up to 140 miles is now often reduced to as low as 35 miles. Many of the 280 million visitors who escape to our national parks, wilderness areas and national wildlife refuges are greeted by dim, hazy vistas and unhealthy air instead of the expansive views and scenery that have made these areas our national treasures.