DEC results shed light on impact of air pollution in Hudson Valley
New details are slated to be released Wednesday in the Hudson Valley from a statewide community air monitoring initiative.
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New details on concerns over air pollution in the Hudson Valley have been released as part of a statewide community air monitoring initiative.
It is part of an effort at the state level through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to monitor and address air quality concerns in "disadvantaged communities." The study has been going on for years.
Multiple cities and towns in the Hudson Valley are in the report, including Yonkers, New Rochelle and Mount Vernon.
"Really, it unveils very concerning things about environmental injustice. The results are that there are a lot of very concerning disparities in our area," says Raya Salter, with the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center.
The results from the DEC show air quality has improved in many areas across the state but people living in disadvantaged communities could be experiencing higher pollution levels - that is especially being tracked near interstates and industrial facilities.
“The release of the Community Air Monitoring Initiative results is a crucial step toward environmental justice and the well-being of our communities. This data highlights the disproportionate air pollution faced by our most vulnerable Black and Brown neighborhoods and equips us to take decisive action," says Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
That's why Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard says these conversations are so important.
"Often times, air quality is a hidden emergency, you can't see it. We don't want to wait for the sky to turn orange for us to have this discussion, it's important for us to have these discussions now," says Patterson-Howard.
Officials with the DEC say they are going to continue to work with the community on this major issue.
You can find more details here.
