Media Advisory: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2020
Media Contacts:     
Lynette McClain, Longmont Sunrise Movement (303) 681-7722     [email protected] 
Karen Dike, Sustainable Resilient Longmont     (720) 363-7119     [email protected]  

What: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont
Longmont Sunrise Movement and Sustainable Resilient Longmont are co-hosting an event focused on air quality. The following three speakers will present a panel discussion, providing air quality data and details on the actions being taken to improve our air.

• Senator Mike Foote, Colorado State Legislature
• Rep. Joe Salazar, Executive Director, Colorado Rising
• Dr. Detlev Helmig, Research Professor, Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research (INSTAAR) at The University of Colorado-Boulder

Ozone and other air pollutants in Boulder County have been linked to oil and gas development. Boulder County and much of the Front Range has been designated by EPA as a “serious nonattainment area” for ozone levels. Ground-level ozone can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath; long term exposure can cause increased asthma attacks and heart disease. Benzene  -- a pollutant found in burning fossil fuels -- can lead to leukemia. A 2017 study found an elevated health risk -- an eight-fold increased cancer risk -- for residents within 500 feet of an oil and gas facility. Air emissions have been found to damage health up to 2000 feet from wells. 
Where: Sunset Middle School Cafeteria, 1300 South Sunset Street, Longmont
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Sunrise Movement is a national group of young people and their allies working to educate and engage the public about climate change and a democratic way to address it. The Sunrise Movement was formed in 2018. You can find out more about them and their upcoming events at: at https://www.sunrisemovement.org. The Longmont Sunrise Movement formed initially in response to a national call to action, but recently formulated a city climate emergency resolution, which was adopted by the Longmont City Council in October of 2019. They are currently forming interest groups to advocate for local climate emergency actions. The event is posted at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2533153443587587/

Sustainable Resilient Longmont collaborates with the Longmont community to cultivate a sustainable and thriving city. As the hub for education, advocacy and action, they support the three pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, responsible economic growth and social equity. More information can be found at www.srlongmont.org