In its 34-year history, the Clean Air Act has proven its worth many times over. Thanks to the protections written into that law, we have reduced the burden of air pollution on those most at risk. The air is cleaner than it was in 1970. However, cleaner is not clean enough. Documented in the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2004 report is strong evidence that dangerously unhealthy air is still an unfortunate reality for much of the nation. We must do more to reach the day when the air is consistently safe for all Americans to breathe.

The American Lung Association encourages everyone to take steps to clean up the air and to support national, state and local efforts to clean up air pollution. Reduce your driving by combining trips, walking, biking or carpooling. Turn off your lights and use power-saving appliances to keep electric power production down. Don’t burn wood or trash. These simple things can make a difference as we pool our efforts to curb air pollution.

But your actions alone aren't enough. Let the political leaders in your city, county and state know you support steps to clean up the air. Many communities will begin planning in 2004 to reach national standards for ozone and particle pollution. Let your local and state officials know you support strong measures to clean up the sources of pollution.

Finally, the Clean Air Act itself needs your help. Let your members of Congress know that the Clean Air Act works and they should not pass bills that would weaken its protections. Tell them to oppose the Administration’s power plant bill, S. 485/HR 999, which would allow the oldest, dirtiest plants to pollute more and longer than the existing law would. Log on to www.lungusa.org to send them that message.

Over 159 million people live in areas of the United States where the air quality puts their health at risk. These are our children, our parents, our friends and our families. Too many people are at risk and there is too much we can do to protect them to turn back the clean air clock now. The American Lung Association pledges to continue fighting for clean air for everyone.

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