Lung Health News, Fall 2001 / Winter 2002
As the energy shortage loomed over California this summer, the American Lung Association of California fought efforts by the state and local air districts to relax air quality standards in order to build and operate power plants. The association adopted a position statement titled "Air Quality and Electricity Generation " that states priorities for electricity generation, including conservation, development and purchase of renewable energy solutions such as wind and solar power, and utilizing the cleanest technology (natural gas)for power generation.
The association supported legislation by Senator Byron Sher (D-Palo Alto)that allocates $700 million for new and expanded conservation and energy efficiency programs, including incentives for high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and appliances, as well as home insulation programs. The association also became a partner with the state of California’s Flex Your Power campaign to encourage additional conservation efforts (www. flexyourpower. ca. gov).
The American Lung Association of California identified diesel generators as a serious concern because they are some of the highest polluting sources of electricity in California. The association actively opposed efforts to allow the use of diesel backup generators, except during blackouts, and held a news conference with religious leaders and environmentalists calling on policymakers to consider the health consequences of producing energy at any cost to public health.
