Nearly half of Americans live in places with failing grades for air pollution, report says
NBCMAY 1
Study: Nearly Half of Americans Face Dangerous Air Pollution Levels
Above: Protesters rally against the dumping of toxic debris from the ruins of thousands of buildings destroyed by January's historic wildfires into Sunshine Canyon Landfill on Feb. 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. Image copyright: David McNew/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The dramatic decline in air quality represents a critical public health emergency requiring immediate federal action and increased EPA funding. The combination of climate change-driven extreme weather events and existing pollution sources has created unprecedented challenges threatening decades of clean air progress.
Republican narrative
Environmental regulations are overly burdensome on American industry and economic growth. The current administration's efforts to streamline regulations and support traditional energy sources like coal will help create jobs and maintain energy independence while ensuring reasonable environmental protections.