EPA excluding lives saved from air pollution cost calculations a ‘disservice’Key takeaways:Not including the monetary value of lives saved in air pollutant rules leaves out an important part of the story. Ultimately, the process allows for an estimation of the scope of the health benefits of these clean air rules, knowing that air pollution is deadly and that pollution reduction saves lives. It’s emitted from the tailpipes of cars, wildfire smoke, smokestacks and really any source of traditional air pollution. The costs of air pollution are well known, well documented and will continue, especially if lifesaving clean air policies are weakened, repealed and reduced in their effectiveness. Gupta: The Clean Air Act is the defining environmental law designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health since it was passed 60 years ago.

Source: New York Times January 26, 2026 13:39 UTC