EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

Every Louisiana resident and tourist is breathing our air. We urge the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to give us all a chance to help solve the problem of our air's rampant pollution. 

A current Louisiana law effectively prohibits the LDEQ from considering such vital community-collected air quality data in its decision-making process and enforcement action. This restriction creates a serious barrier to protecting our 'fenceline' communities—those neighborhoods located closest to industrial facilities that suffer the most from air pollution.

 In the U.S., approximately 68% of Black individuals live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant, which is the distance where the worst effects of emissions are typically felt. In Southwestern Louisiana, our fenceline communities are primarily made up of marginalized and vulnerable populations already facing significant challenges due to inadequate air quality.

We call for amendment to Louisiana law, paving the way for LDEQ to act on community-collected air quality data. Community-based research and air monitoring is available to fill critical gaps in LDEQ collected data. LDEQ must make that data matter.

Let's demonstrate what true love for our state looks like by advocating for cleaner air! 

 

 #EveryBreathCounts #SWLABetterTogther #M68M