In its 35-year history, the Clean Air Act has proven its worth many times over. Thanks to the protections written into that law, we have reduced the burden of air pollution on those people most at risk. The air is cleaner than it was when the Act was first written in 1970.
In fact, things have improved during the period we examine here. Between 2002 and 2004, we had many fewer days with unhealthy air. Some of those days were cleaner because the weather kept ozone from forming, but many of the days were cleaner because of measures put in place beginning in 1998 to clean up some pollution the dirty power plants.
However, cleaner air is not clean enough. Documented in the American Lung Association State of the Air 2006 report is strong evidence that dangerously unhealthful air is still an unfortunate reality for people living in much of the nation. We must do more to reach the day when the air is consistently safe for all Americans to breathe.
The American Lung Association encourages everyone to take individual steps to combat air pollution and to support national, state and local efforts to clean the air. Reduce your driving by combining trips, walking, biking or carpooling. Turn off your lights and use power-saving appliances to keep electric power production down. Don’t burn wood or trash. These simple things can make a difference as we join forces to curb air pollution.
But your actions alone aren’t enough. Let political leaders in your city, county and state know you want cleaner air. Many communities are developing plans to reach national standards for ozone and particle pollution. Let local and state officials know you support strong measures to clean up the biggest polluters, especially coal-fired power plants and dirty diesel.
Right now, we need your help to tell EPA to clean up these big polluters. EPA promised to issue rules to get diesel boats and locomotives cleaned up, just like the newer trucks and buses coming into service this year. Tell EPA not to leave these big polluters running through our towns and smelling up our harbors and ports. They can and should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Log on to www.lungusa.org to send them that message.
Meanwhile, the American Lung Association continues to fight dirty power plants and other big polluters in the courts and with the Administration, Congress, and the federal, state, and local government. You, too, can join the fight by contacting your local American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG USA.
Over 150 million people live in areas of the United States where dirty air is a danger to public health. At risk are our children, our parents, our families, our neighbors and our friends. Too many people remain endangered and there is too much we can do to protect them to turn back the clean air clock now. The American Lung Association pledges to continue fighting for clean air for everyone. In its 35-year history, the Clean Air Act has proven its worth many times over. Thanks to the protections written into that law, we have reduced the burden of air pollution on those people most at risk. The air is cleaner than it was when the Act was first written in 1970.
