The American Lung Association in Illinois has launched a statewide campaign to
educate Illinois public health professionals about the importance of the Clean Air Act, and encourage them to stand up in support of the legislation. “The Clean Air Act protects public health by reducing harmful pollutants like, soot, and air toxics, and gives the Environmental Protection Agency the ability to clean up the air,” said Amy Ochalski, Healthy Air Campaign Manager. “It’s one of the most effective tools in our arsenal to protect lung health, yet it continually faces opposition from some members of Congress.”

The Clean Air Act was created in 1970 by then President Richard Nixon. The Act gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the power to create health-based standards for improving the air we breathe. Illinois has 23 coal-fired power plants that produce over 80 toxic air pollutants such as, arsenic, mercury, formaldehyde, and benzene. These plants are among the largest contributors to the ozone and particle pollution problem. To learn more about the campaign and how you can become involved, visit www.fightingforair.org.