If McConnell really cared about health ...

In a column published Feb. 14. on Kentucky.com, Sen. Mitch McConnell reported his concerns about the spread of the Zika virus and claimed “to make the health and safety of Kentuckians and all Americans high priority.” Such a statement is disingenuous. This is evident because of McConnell’s war on the EPA and his lack of support for controlling toxic pollution from burning coal and for efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Thousands of Americans suffer respiratory and cardiovascular illness as result of toxic emissions from burning coal, adding billions to our health-care costs. Essentially all of Kentucky’s lakes, rivers and streams are under health advisory to avoid eating fish because of mercury pollution, a significant source being from burning of coal. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, similar to lead, and intake should be avoided especially by pregnant women. The Zika virus may be a harbinger of things to come.

Global warming as a result of burning fossil fuels will aid the spread of tropical disease, especially in the southern United States. Malaria, yellow fever, dengue and other tropical diseases could become endemic if climate change trends continue.

If McConnell were truly concerned about “the health and safety of Kentuckians and all Americans,” he should fully endorse the EPA’s efforts to reduce toxic air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.

This story was originally published February 28, 2016 at 11:26 AM with the headline "If McConnell really cared about health ...."