Congressman Cleaver Reiterates Call for EPA to Strengthen Missouri’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan, Protect Communities from Air Pollution

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) reiterated his concerns about the state of Missouri’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) and called on the EPA Region 7 to provide an update on their work to strengthen the standards put forth by state officials and better protect Missourians from haze-causing pollution. Last year, Congressman Cleaver called on Region 7 to reject Missouri’s inadequate Regional Haze SIP and replace it with a Federal Implementation Plan with stronger protections for communities across the state.

“In 2020, Missouri was the second largest emitter of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the nation, which have proven to have a significant negative impact on public health and the rise of respiratory illnesses among Missourians,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I continue to believe that Missouri’s plan to combat haze-causing pollution is insufficient to adequately protect the health of Missouri families, not only leading to worse respiratory health outcomes but also increased healthcare costs for Missourians as well. The state’s inadequate haze pollution plan must be replaced with standards that put the health and safety of our citizens first.”

"We are grateful for Congressman Cleaver's vigilance on haze pollution and for opposing Missouri's do-nothing plan that will allow coal plants like Labadie, the second-largest sulfur dioxide polluter in the country, to harm vulnerable communities for another decade. We urge the EPA to heed the Congressman's request for federal intervention and adopt a plan for cleaner air and public lands for all Missourians,” said Jenn DeRose, Senior Field Organizer with the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.