Topix Underground

"...EPA No Longer Considering Lives Saved in Pollution Rules, Only Cost to Business..."

"...For the first time in decades of the practice, The New York Times reports, the EPA will effectively set the cost of a human life at $0 when doing cost-benefit analysis for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or ozone pollution — two air pollutants that can cause lifelong respiratory issues and are estimated to cause tens of thousands of premature deaths every year in the U.S.

The seismic shift will make it far easier to repeal pollution rules from facilities like coal-burning power plants and oil refineries, according to internal communications. It signifies a significant heel-turn for the agency, pivoting it from one dedicated to protecting the environment and human health to one focused more on aiding business; as the Times points out, the agency’s air and radiation office head, Aaron Szabo, was formerly a lobbyist for the oil and chemical industries..."