Now more than ever, we know that breathing clean air is a matter of life and health. COVID-19 has shown that high concentrations of pollution can lead to increased mortality from respiratory disease.

An important bill, crafted with the Environmental Justice Legislative Table, is having a hearing Thursday, October 5th at 9am. We need to give this bill a lot of attention so that it moves out of committee favorably and fast. Clean air justice can’t wait!

Air quality affects every corner of our public health. Massachusetts residents and workers are exposed to air pollution caused by cars, trucks, trains, boats, and planes. Environmental Justice (EJ) populations — people of color, Indigenous people, low-income people, and limited English proficient speakers — are especially affected by air quality problems. On average, residents of color in Massachusetts are exposed to pollution from vehicle emissions that are 26 to 36 percent higher than the exposure of white residents.