Rep. Cleaver Applauds EPA Partial Disapproval of Missouri Regional Haze Plan, Calls on Agency to Implement Federal Plan to Combat Air Pollution State

"Corporate profits should never come before the health and safety of those in our communities or the conservation of our natural resources," said Congressman Cleaver. "However, that is precisely what Missouri's Regional Haze State Implementation Plan prioritizes, as it puts polluters over people and falls far short of the standards necessary to safeguard the health of our entire region. The experts at EPA Region 7 have put forth an analysis proving the state of Missouri's proposal could have gone further to ensure the cost-effective reduction in haze pollution across Missouri, thereby ensuring families in every community can breathe a little easier knowing their air is clean and their loved ones are safe. Today, I'm calling on the EPA to finalize their disapproval and promptly implement an effective plan for Missouri families."

"Representatives Cleaver and Bush have been consistently correct about the action needed to prevent haze-causing pollution that negatively impacts the most beautiful places in the country and public health," said Jenn DeRose, Missouri Senior Field Organizer with the Sierra Club. "The benefits of reducing haze pollution are massive, and the EPA should follow the Congressman's recommendation to move forward with a federal implementation plan in Missouri."

Missouri's fossil-fuel power plants are responsible for 85 percent of the state's haze-causing pollution, with coal plants in Missouri among the largest contributors to hazy skies nationwide. In 2020, Missouri was the second largest emitter of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the nation. This pollution is harmful to public health, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and shortening lifespans, particularly in underserved communities. Moreover, Missouri's haze-causing pollution damages public lands throughout the U.S., including Mammoth Cave, the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, Okefenokee Swamp, and our own Hercules-Glade and Mingo Wilderness Areas.

EPA Region 7 has put forth an analysis of cost-effective emission reduction technologies to cut down on pollution from Missouri's coal-fired power plants. According to an analysis by the National Park Conservation Association, the plan would help these plants reduce at least 31,310 tons of NOx and 82,900 tons of SO₂ per year, greatly improving air quality throughout the entire Midwest.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver to the EPA is available here.