| State of the Air 2012 We're breathing easier, thanks to the Clean Air Act—but for how long?
Take action and be a part of our Fight for Air The American Lung Association's State of the Air 2012 report released today shows great improvement in the nation's air quality. Many of America's most polluted cities have recorded their cleanest air quality since we began the report 13 years ago. Clean Air Act measures to cleanup major air pollution sources—including coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and SUVs—are working to drastically cut ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) from the air we breathe. Despite this progress, unhealthy levels of air pollution still exist and, in some parts of the country, worsened. Sadly, too many children, people with asthma and seniors remain threatened by polluted air. Air Quality Improvements in the Nation's Most Polluted Cities | The Clean Air Act is delivering cleaner air to millions of people nationwide. • Major improvements were seen in 18 of the 25 cities most polluted by ozone, including Los Angeles, which had the lowest smog levels since the report was first published in 2000. • Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati were among 17 of the 25 cities most polluted by annual particle pollution that experienced their cleanest years yet. • Four cities—Pittsburgh, San Diego, Philadelphia and Visalia, CA, had their lowest-ever, short-term particle pollution level. • Santa Fe, NM, ranked as the cleanest city in the nation. Still more than 127.2 million people remain threatened by air pollution. That's four out of every 10 of us. The risks are serious: ozone and particle pollution can cause asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even death. The Ongoing Fight for Clean Air | Despite the Clean Air Act's lifesaving results, big polluters and some members of Congress continue to propose to dismantle the law. A key House of Representatives committee is voting today on a proposal to repeal the health premise of the Clean Air Act's smog standards and delay cleanup of oil refineries, cars and fuels. We need your help to keep making progress. We need you to tell Congress not to weaken the law. Please send a message to your Member of Congress now. Take action today. Tell Congress: Don't repeal clean air health standards. Visit www.stateoftheair.org to see your air quality report card. While you're there, learn to protect yourself and your family from air pollution and share your grades with others. Join the fight. We won't rest until everyone can breathe clean and healthy air.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Paul G. Billings
Vice President, National Policy and Advocacy
American Lung Association | 
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