Clean Air

Sierra Club Launches Clean Air Campaign The Houston Citizens' Clean Air Project (CCAP), initiated by the Sierra Clubęs Public Education Campaign (EPEC), is a coalition of citizen advocates, health care professionals, educators, and scientists who are concerned about the health effects of smog in Houston. The Clean Air Project launched a grassroots media billboard campaign last month to educate the public that clean air improves quality of life and that industry has a shared responsibility in protecting our right to breathe clean air.

The impetus behind the project is Houstonęs ground level ozone problem compounded by high levels of particulates, resulting from the concentration of oil refineries and chemical plants in the Houston area. According to scientific studies, these hazards complicate respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as other health problems.

By means of the media campaign, one Citizens' Clean Air Project goal is to counter the industry-funded public relations campaigns that blame the public for air pollution problems. CCAP is demanding corporate accountability and shared responsibility to achieve cleaner air in the Houston region.

Billboards placed around the city send many messages including: air pollution is a serious health problem in Houston, industry has a responsibility to be in compliance with EPA regulations and reaching a solution to air pollution problems is everyoneęs responsibility, and to dispel industryęs myths that air pollution is solely due to automobiles and that cleaner air is too costly.

CCAP is calling on public officials to help ameliorate the cityęs air pollution problem. They are working with regional organizations to address the air pollution problem thorough public education, pollution prevention, and shared responsibility between the public and industry for cleaner air. For more information on the Citizen's Clean Air Project please contact Carrie Collier at the Sierra Club (512) 472-9094.