Over the last 20 years, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have decreased by more than 41 percent, while the Gross Domestic Product has increased by more than 64 percent. “After the Clean Air Act’s first 20 years, in 1990, it prevented more than 200,000 premature deaths, and almost 700,000 cases of chronic bronchitis were avoided. Putting the growth of the economy over the health of the American people is a false choice. We only have to look at the data to know that we don’t have to choose between our health and a thriving economy. Also, pollution imposes costs to our economy in regards to hospital visits and lost work and school days. Either way, at this point in time, when there is so much at stake to protect our children from an unstable climate, rolling back bedrock environmental protections – ones that protect us from pollutants like smog, ozone, and mercury – will directly worsen asthma attacks (especially in young children), heart and lung ailments, and may even cause premature death. But government agencies often bear the brunt of political bashing. Since is inception, the EPA has been working to protect the health of Americans. The EPA was established on December 2, 1970. So, let’s go back and take a closer look… I’m reminded of this hazy image each time the Trump team threatens to take us back to a time when pollution ran rampant. The EPA is responsible for implementing federal laws that protect air and water – “Pollution should be prevented or reduced at its source, whenever possible.” The Environmental Protection Agency became the cornerstone in protecting American citizens and preventing pollution.
In a collective, bi-partisan roar that transcended politics (as it hit home for everyone – legislators and their constituents), it was concluded that our environment was dying a rapidly polluted death. In this toxic soup of pollution that ranged from horrific air quality mirrored in the scene above, to chemically polluted waterways, some of which were sickeningly catching on fire environmental consciousness was born.
The year I graduated high school and drove a beat-up orange Datsun over the George Washington Bridge to discover a brave new world – college – was the same year the image above was shot.Īcross the country, images like this became the environmental story that was sure to define our future. George Washington Bridge, New York City, 1973 We are a community of over one million parents united against air and climate pollution to protect our children’s health.
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