Green Mama Activism: Tell the EPA about Air Quality

Remember that post awhile back about how mercury rates are higher in areas where there are largely unregulated cement kilns?

Well, now is our chance to tell the EPA that we want better air quality for our families. If you live in Washington D.C., Dallas, or Los Angeles, you can attend an open EPA public hearings on their proposal to cut toxic air pollution from cement kilns.

Here's the skinny on cement kilns:

According to Earthjustice, "Cement kilns emit a range of pollutants in addition to mercury, including:
1) sulfur dioxide
2) particulate matter, a major contributor to asthma and other respiratory illnesses
3) total hydrocarbons, some of which are known carcinogens

EPA's proposal would cut emissions of these and other dangerous pollutants by more than 75%, a very good thing."

I agree. If you can't make it to the hearings, you can send your comments directly to the EPA, and learn more at the Earthjustice site.

The EPA needs to hear from us, because, again according to Earthjustice, "Though cement kilns aren't as well known as coal-fired power plants, the production of cement releases a range of toxic emissions comparable to the pollution from power plants. The cement industry has evaded regulation for decades, but the EPA is finally making efforts to clean up these polluters. It’s crucial that they hear from concerned citizens, because the cement industry will certainly be commenting on the regulations as well. EPA estimates the proposal will result in as many as 1,600 premature deaths avoided each year."

Let's speak up for cleaner air. We've got lots of ground (umm, and sky) to make up.