The EPA’s data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark
For decades, communities have relied on the agency's cancer risk estimates to hold polluters accountable. This year, it's missing.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to withhold its cancer risk estimates from air pollution data has significant implications for communities and the clean energy transition. For years, these estimates have served as a crucial tool for residents to hold polluters accountable and advocate for cleaner air. The data, which quantifies the risk of cancer from breathing in toxic air pollutants, has been a cornerstone of environmental justice efforts.
The absence of this data will likely hinder the ability of communities to track and address air pollution issues, particularly in areas with high concentrations of industrial sites and polluting facilities. This development is especially concerning given the ongoing efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA's data has long provided a critical link between air quality and public health, and its absence creates a significant information gap.
As the clean energy sector continues to grow, it's essential to monitor how this data gap affects environmental justice initiatives and air quality regulations. Key areas to watch include the EPA's plans for releasing updated data, the impact on community-led advocacy efforts, and potential changes to air quality standards. The intersection of clean energy, environmental justice, and public health will remain a critical focus area, and developments on this story will provide valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the clean energy transition.
Originally reported by grist.org. CleanNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.