The National Resources Defense Council recently released its “Sneezing and Wheezing” report, which details the negative respiratory health impacts of increased ozone and pollen concentrations that are expected to worsen if carbon emission levels continue to rise. According to the report, higher carbon emissions have been linked to increased ragweed pollen levels and contribute to conditions that increase ground-level ozone. Both ozone and ragweed pollen exacerbate allergies and asthma, notes the report, serious and costly health issues that affect 50 million and 26 million Americans, respectively. The Iowa Environmental Council said in a release that the report underscores the importance of adoption of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan, which would establish the first-ever limits on carbon emission from U.S. power plants. The EPA has estimated that American families will see up to $7 in health benefits for every dollar invested in the Clean Power Plan.