User Clip: Sen Jeff Merkley (OR) vs OK AG Pruitt on Pruitt's Challenge to O3 Standards in the Face of Asthma Epidemic

Sen Merkley (OR) states that the EPA implemented new ozone (O3) standards in 2015. Merkley states that experts indicated the standard was achievable & would save the US $3-6 billion in reductions in asthma attacks & deaths. Merkley points out that w/oil industry, OK AG Pruitt filed suit against the EPA re new standard. Mr. Pruitt argues he did so because ~ 40% of states were in non-attainment. Merkley counters that no new standards are fully attained when initially set, i.e. their point; EPA consulted experts to set standard that was attainable by 2025. Merkley submits to the record list of experts. Merkley states that O3 standard would annually prevent: 230k asthma attacks among children & 160k missed work days. Merkley states that Mr. Pruitt's repeated decisions to partner w/oil & gas industries to challenge EPA on air quality indicates that Mr. Pruitt has used his AG authorities to garner personal profit at expense of public health & that this should preclude nomination to head EPA. close