On a recent edition of TechnoPolitics, host Jim Glassman discussed the EPA's new clean air rules with one of their leading supporters, Dr. Barry Levy, President of the American Public Health Association.
Glassman: Do you think that money could be spent better in other ways to improve the public health?
Levy: But that's not the issue here. The issue here —
Glassman: No. I'm just asking you that question, whether it's the issue or not.
Levy: If it were an either/or argument, then we could get into it. I think it's absurd to think that the money that —
Glassman: You are an expert on public health.
Levy: I am, yes.
Glassman: If I handed you $6-1/2 to $8 billion.... could you find a better use for promoting the public health and decreasing deaths In this country?
Levy: I think that's an open question. We're talking about something that's going to cost approximately $7 billion, that's going to reduce deaths by — premature deaths by about 15,000 deaths per year. That's like 40 people a day.
Glassman: You are the head of a distinguished public health institution.
Levy: That's right.
Glassman: I'm asking you a separate question.
Levy: Right.
Glassman: If you had this money right now, would you spend it for this purpose or would you spend it to buy new ambulances somewhere?
Levy:It's an open question. It's recontextualizing what the actual situation is. The situation is about EPA adopting standards.
Glassman: That's some academic jargon. I'm just asking you a very simple question.
Levy:Yes.
Glassman: I mean, if you asked me that question in some other area, I guess I could come up with an answer. Is this the best use of that money?
Levy: I Think it's a very good use of the money. I'm not prepared to answer the question the way you phrased it.
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