Position on H.J.Res. 117, H.J.Res. 133, H.J.Res. 136 & H.J.Res. 163

H.J. Res. 117 – Resolution for Disapproval of EPA Rule Related to NAAQS PM2.5: NPCA opposes this legislation, which prevents the implementation of this or a substantially similar rule by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to tighten the annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). PM2.5 air pollution causes a range of serious consequences to human health and the environment. EPA’s scientifically backed proposal to lower the PM2.5 NAAQS from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 will provide significant health benefits to national park visitors, employees and individuals as well as improvements to hazy skies across the nation from cleaner air.

H.J. Res. 133 – Resolution for Disapproval of EPA Rule Related to Heavy-Duty Vehicles: NPCA opposes this legislation, which prevents EPA from implementing its phase III greenhouse gas (GHG) standards to cut climate pollution from semi-trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles or something substantially similar. The transportation sector is the largest source of climate pollution in the U.S. and, despite making up only four percent of vehicles on the road, heavy-duty vehicles emit a quarter of all transportation sector GHG emissions. The approximately one billion tons of GHG emissions this rule is projected to avoid through more stringent standards will go a long way towards protecting our national parks from the worst consequences of climate change.

H.J. Res. 136 – Resolution for Disapproval of EPA Rule Related to Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles: NPCA opposes this legislation, which prevents the implementation of the EPA’s rule to cut air and climate pollution from passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, vans and other light and medium-duty vehicles or something substantially similar. Light-duty passenger vehicles are one of the top GHG sources in the U.S. and make up a clear majority of all transportation sector emissions. They also produce significant amounts of air pollutants that impact human health, the environment and visibility in our treasured national parks. EPA’s light and medium duty vehicle rule will reduce over 7 billion tons of GHGs and significant amounts of traditional air pollutants that cause hazy skies and harm nature, providing immense benefits to our parks and those who enjoy them.

H.J. Res. 163 – Resolution for Disapproval of EPA Rule Related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Powerplants: NPCA opposes this legislation, which prevents the implementation of the EPA’s rule to reduce climate pollution from powerplants or something substantially similar. GHG emissions from existing coal and future gas-fired power plants threaten our national parks and the flora and fauna that depend on them for home and safe harbor. This rule would prevent over one billion tons of GHGs, further protecting America’s beloved national parks from the worst impacts of climate change.