Carol M. Browner

Carol M. Browner is the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the former head of Florida’s Department of Environmental Regulation. In the following viewpoint, Browner argues that stricter air quality standards are needed to protect the nation’s health. She maintains that compelling scientific evidence shows that the current air pollution standards leave many people, especially children, at risk for lung ailments and even death. The health and safety of the nation is the most important factor in determining the new standards, not the projected costs of revising the standards, Browner asserts.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What steps must the EPA go through to ensure that the current and revised air quality standards protect the public health, according to Browner?
2. What evidence does Browner present to support...