Declare Clean Air Month

Senate Resolution No. 1155 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Clean Air Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those organizations which focus on improving air quality in order to benefit the health of our citizens, while setting the highest level of environmental standards for the state and country; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Clean Air Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Clean Air Month; and WHEREAS, Supported by the American Lung Association, Clean Air Month educates people about the impact clean air can have on their lives, and encourages them to take positive steps to help improve air quality; and WHEREAS, Clean air, is air which has a natural balance of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and does not contain pollutants or allergens; clean air does not harm the environment, nor is it a cause or trigger of health problems; and WHEREAS, Poor quality air can harm the environment and can affect us all; toxic air pollution is linked to serious conditions such as cancer and chronic bronchitis, and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma; and WHEREAS, Air pollution can also harm the environment; the burning of fossil fuels (often for transport or electricity generation) releases high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere; and WHEREAS, These gases react with other gases and water to create rain which is acidic; acid rain raises the acid levels of water and disrupts the natural balance of life in lakes and rivers; it can also damage plants and trees; and WHEREAS, Pollutants which can affect clean air and the environment Include: acid rain, ozone toxic air pollution, lead, sulfur dioxide, and particulate soot, as well as carbon monoxide; and WHEREAS, The Clean Air Act came into force in 1970, and has been successful in reducing air quality related health conditions and premature death; and WHEREAS, Clean Air Month is a time for New York and the entire country to celebrate the impact the Clean Air Act has had on the way people think about the environment and on the overall health of its people; and WHEREAS, It is important that individuals are made aware of the effects they have on air quality and air pollution and vice versa; Americans can make positive steps to improving the quality of our air by reducing our use of electricity, using transport more efficiently, and supporting legislation which improves air quality; and WHEREAS, National Clean Air Month aims to promote events which increase quality awareness and inspire people to take steps, no matter how large or small, to reduce their contribution to air pollution; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Clean Air Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.