ICYMI - LA Times Reports that the American Lung Association gives Los Angeles an “F” for Air Quality; Highlights Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California as Part of Solution
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday’s LA Times article highlighted environmental advocates' support of the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California, emphasizing toxic oil drilling’s significant contribution to air pollution in Los Angeles. This issue is underscored by the city of Los Angeles receiving a 25th consecutive F grade in air quality from the American Lung Association.
The American Lung Association, whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, endorses the Campaign for a Safe and Health California in working to KEEP THE LAW (SB 1137) preventing the toxic oil drilling in neighborhoods that pollutes our water and air.
Excerpt:
“Environmental advocates are also ginning up support to uphold California’s law that prevents new oil and gas drilling near homes and schools, the subject of a contentious and expensive ballot referendum in November. These wells also can release harmful pollutants that worsen smog.”
Every Californian deserves to breathe clean air. Currently, nearly 30,000 oil and gas wells in California sit within 3200 feet of homes, schools, hospitals and other public areas, exposing more than 2 million people, disproportionally communities of color, to emissions that cause birth defects, respiratory illnesses and cancer. An independent scientific advisory panel in 2021 advised California officials that a 3,200-foot setback between oil wells and sensitive receptors is the minimum distance to protect public health.
“KEEP THE LAW” Campaign endorsers include public health groups, community and faith organizations, and environmental justice leaders from across California working to hold oil companies accountable for creating a public health crisis, especially for communities of color.
Press Contact:Robin Swanson, robin@swansoncomm.net