NORTH CAROLINIANS CAN IMPROVE AIR QUALITY BY MAKING SIMPLE CHANGES

(16 April, 2002 — Raleigh)  In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, North Carolina Environmental Defense and the American Lung Association of N.C. remind North Carolinians that there are simple changes they can make at home and at work to curtail energy consumption, reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

“North Carolinians are more concerned than ever about the unhealthy air we are breathing in our state,” said Michael Shore, southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense.  “One way to improve air quality is to reduce our energy consumption, and each of us can take some responsibility for this in our homes and businesses.”

“We can drive less by combining errands into one trip and by carpooling to work and special events.  The less gas we use, the cleaner the air,” said Shore.  “We can turn our water heaters down to about 120 degrees, install low-flow showerheads, and set our thermostats to 72 degrees in the coming summer months.  Plus, North Carolina has among the best solar energy tax credits in the nation, so residents should consider installing solar panels to save tax dollars and reduce energy consumption.”

“Passage of the Clean Smokestacks Bill would significantly improve air quality in the state,” said Deborah Bryan, director of government relations for the American Lung Association of N.C.  The House is expected to vote on the bill when the N.C. General Assembly convenes in May.  The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill with bipartisan support last April.

“North Carolinians deserve clean air to breathe, and the Clean Smokestacks Bill will substantially reduce the harmful emissions released by the state’s 14 coal-fired power plants,” said Bryan.  “Each of us can do our part to reduce the amount of energy we use, but we look to lawmakers to protect air quality and public health by passing legislation that will reduce pollutants spewing from smokestacks by 70%.”

For more information on reducing energy consumption and the public health impacts of dirty air, visit www.environmentaldefense.org or www.lungnc.org.