The EPA’s data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

The sudden disappearance of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) data on cancer risk from air pollution has significant implications for communities and the climate and energy sector. For years, this data has served as a crucial tool for residents living near industrial sites to hold polluters accountable and advocate for cleaner air. The data's absence creates uncertainty and potentially undermines efforts to track and mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health.

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution is part of a broader effort to monitor and regulate air quality in the United States. The data is typically used to identify areas with high levels of pollution and to inform policy decisions aimed at reducing emissions from industrial sources. Without this data, it will be more challenging for communities, regulators, and industry stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and to develop new strategies for reducing air pollution. This development is particularly concerning given the ongoing debate about the need for more stringent regulations on industrial emissions and the role of air pollution in contributing to climate change.

As the EPA considers its next steps, it's essential to watch how the agency responds to concerns about transparency and public access to environmental data. The absence of this data raises questions about the EPA's commitment to community engagement and environmental justice. In the coming weeks and months, stakeholders will be watching to see whether the EPA restores the data and provides a clear explanation for its disappearance. Additionally, there may be implications for pending regulations and policy initiatives, such as updates to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which could be influenced by the availability of this critical data.

Originally reported by grist.org. AquaNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.