LETTER: Clean Power Plan wins endorsement from physician

There are many reasons to get behind the new federal rule requiring states to reduce dangerous carbon pollution from existing power plans. The one that tops my list as a physician (and should top yours) is health.

The Clean Power Plan is expected to prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths and 90,000 asthma attacks, as well as prevent 300,000 missed days of work and school, when fully implemented.

In order to meet the rule’s carbon limits, the state of Montana will need to expand the amount of power it gets from renewable energy sources like wind and sun (fortunately, we have lots of both) and improve energy efficiency in homes and buildings.

Transitioning from coal to clean energy sources will significantly benefit public health by protecting us from the health threats associated with climate change, and particularly conditions caused or exacerbated by poor air quality such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, heart attacks, and stroke.

Here in the Flathead Valley, we’ve had the driest summer on record and the fifth warmest summer on record. For most of the second half of August, state officials issued air quality alerts for our region due to elevated particulate levels, with air quality ratings ranging from Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy. This does not bode well for good health, or for the children I treat in my practice.

The Clean Power Plan is a needed step to help make the air we breathe safer and cleaner for children and all Montanans. —Kenneth Graham, Kalispell