# TRAIN Act: A Threat to Clean Air Regulations

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/train-act-a-threat-to-clean-air-regulations/
- Published: 2011-09-27T02:25:23-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## TRAIN Act Faces Backlash for Undermining Clean Air Protections

### A Step Backward, Not Forward

The TRAIN Act (Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation) may
sound harmless, but environmental and health advocates call it anything but. Introduced
in 2011, the bill aimed to delay key EPA clean air regulations. Supporters claimed
it was about studying the economic impact of environmental rules. But critics saw
it for what it really was — a stall tactic.

### Delays Come at a Cost for the TRAIN Act

The act proposed a pause on vital air quality rules, including limits on mercury,
arsenic, and other toxic emissions from power plants. These pollutants come with
steep public health costs — especially for children, older folks and people with
[asthma or heart disease](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/the-south-gets-straight-%e2%80%9cf%e2%80%9ds-in-grading-of-%e2%80%9cthe-dirty-seven%e2%80%9d-utilities-also-home-to-three-of-10-worst-polluting-power-plants-in-u-s/).
Delaying these rules doesn’t just put off action. It puts lives at risk.

![Train act Two industrial smokestacks release thick black smoke into a cloudy sky
symbolizing pollution and the environmental impact of delaying clean air regulations](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/A4E30184-D6A5-4E7C-
A2C8-544274A8A5BC.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "TRAIN ACT clean air protections-
The Green Living Guy")

AI

### Who Benefits?

Fossil fuel interests and coal-heavy industries pushed hardest for the TRAIN Act.
They argued that EPA rules would hurt the economy. But studies have shown that clean
air protections save far more than they cost — through reduced healthcare expenses,
fewer sick days, and lower mortality. The TRAIN Act ignored these long-term gains.

### Public Health Takes a Hit

Groups like the American Lung Association and Natural Resources Defense Council 
came out strong against the bill. They warned that postponing regulations would 
result in thousands of premature deaths, asthma attacks, and missed school days.
The EPA had already done extensive reviews. More studies wouldn’t change the science—
just delay the solutions.

### False Promises of Economic Relief

Backers of the TRAIN Act claimed it would protect jobs and lower energy prices. 
But evidence didn’t back that up. In fact, investing in clean energy and pollution
control technologies tends to create jobs — not eliminate them. The bill risked 
slowing innovation and progress in the name of short-term political wins.

## The Takeaway on the TRAIN Act

The TRAIN Act wasn’t about transparency. It was about delay. And when it comes to
clean air, delay costs lives. Strong, science-based regulations protect people —
not just the planet.

Source: [NRDC](https://www.nrdc.org/media/2011/110923)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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