EPA's Jackson Supports Faith-Based Initiative in Atlanta

EPA Chief To Atlanta to Announce Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships Initiative

Administrator Jackson to Also Focus on Children's Health Issues at Emory Town Hall Meeting

On Monday, April 18, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson traveled to Atlanta to announce the formation of EPA’s Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (FBNP) Initiative. The Administrator, joined by Dr. Gerald Durley and other community leaders, took part in a roundtable discussion Monday morning on the new initiative. Faith institutions and community groups are an integral part of many of our communities and can play a powerful role in environmental education efforts to support cleaner communities and healthier families.

Later in the afternoon, Administrator Jackson keynoted a Children’s Health Town Hall Meeting at Emory University attended by members of the Rollins School of Public Health and other doctors and health advocates. Children are particularly susceptible to toxins and pollutants in our air and water. Some forms of pollution can cause mental and physical developmental problems, respiratory illnesses and even deaths in children.

EPA recently announced proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Standards which would require power plants to use pollution control technologies to cut harmful emissions of mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel and acid gases. These pollutants are linked to neurological problems, developmental disorders in children, respiratory illnesses and other debilitating, costly and often fatal health challenges. Adoption of wide-spread pollution control technology will prevent an estimated 17,000 premature deaths and 11,000 heart attacks while also preventing 120,000 cases of childhood asthma symptoms and ensuring about 11,000 fewer cases of acute bronchitis among children. For more information on EPA's proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Standards go to: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/

EPA has pledged to work to expand the environmental conversation and build partnerships between government, faith-based and neighborhood organizations to clean up our air, land and water, keep children and families healthy and work for environmental justice.

WHAT: Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Roundtable Discussion

WHO: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Regional Administrator
Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Senior Pastor Providence, Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Brent Owens, St. Alban's Episcopal Church
Alexis Chase, Executive Director, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light
Sally Bethea, Executive Director Upper Chattahoochee River Keepers