In Abbie Brockman’s middle school English classroom in Perry County, Indiana, the ceiling is adorned with images of a bright blue sky and fluffy clouds to mask the harsh fluorescent lights. Outside, the real sky often appears hazy due to pollution from nearby coal-fired power plants. Concerned about the impact of this pollution on her community, Brockman joined a local environmental organization that is installing air and water quality monitors.
Although she acknowledges the power of industry and government, Brockman, a humble English teacher, is determined to make a difference. Her monitoring efforts mirror the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for large polluters to report their emissions, which have led to a significant reduction in emissions from coal-fired plants in the region since 2010.
However, the current administration is considering rolling back this rule, arguing that it is costly and burdensome for industry. Environmental experts warn that eliminating this requirement could lead to a surge in emissions and hinder efforts to combat climate change. The Greenhouse Gas Reporting program, established in 2009, has been instrumental in tracking emissions from major carbon polluters and has contributed to a 20% decrease in emissions over the years.
While the registry has not been the sole driver of emission reductions, it has prompted companies to be more transparent about their environmental impact. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring emissions from major facilities to effectively address climate change. Despite some companies welcoming the end of the registry to evade pollution regulations, environmental advocates stress the vital role it plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Monitoring data provides valuable insights into the performance of power plants in terms of emissions reduction, serving as an incentive for companies to improve. This has proven to be a successful endeavor, with potential implications for air quality in the United States. However, the country still faces challenges, as a significant portion of its land remains unmonitored for air quality. This lack of monitoring particularly affects underprivileged and rural communities, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing criticism for redirecting funding intended for air monitoring purposes toward other areas. One such instance involves the cancellation of a grant that would have supported air monitoring efforts in a disadvantaged community in North Carolina. This decision has sparked a legal battle, with the affected nonprofit organization arguing that clean air is a fundamental human right that should be prioritized.
Research consistently links poor air quality to various health issues, including asthma, heart disease, and potentially cancer. Despite these risks, communities near industrial facilities often lack sufficient data on localized air quality or face obstacles in conducting health investigations. Grassroots organizations, such as the Southwestern Indiana Citizens for Quality of Life and Valley Watch, have taken matters into their own hands by installing and maintaining their monitoring equipment to ensure accurate data collection.
Balancing economic interests with environmental concerns is a delicate matter, especially in regions where industries like coal-fired power plants play a significant role in providing jobs. Advocates like those in Southwestern Indiana are striving to protect public health while acknowledging the economic challenges faced by their communities. The dedication of individuals, such as those ensuring the operation of monitoring networks, demonstrates the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the environment and the well-being of residents.
