Don’t Pander to Polluters

Some members of Congress are intent on decimating the Clean Air Act, one of our country’s most important laws protecting the air we breathe. Despite 40 years of success, these lawmakers say we can no longer afford the Act’s protections.

What they don’t mention is that the Act has saved thousands of lives by cleaning up dirty air. It has held polluters accountable for cleaning up their messes, and has prevented health threatening events, thus resulting in financial benefits exceeding the costs of its regulations.

Despite an increase in vehicles on the roads and highways, the air in Santa Barbara and throughout southern California has become cleaner and cleaner throughout the years. We are all familiar with the traffic in Los Angeles, yet those of us who remember L.A. in the 70s know that the air in that city is much improved. That didn’t happen just by chance.

In addition, updated Clean Air Act standards will help spur innovation and create jobs. If we do not take part in this movement, we’ll miss out on the most promising industry of the century and we’ll be guilty of criminal negligence toward our younger generations.

We must speak out against those in Congress who want to pander to polluters while threatening public health and playing roulette with the future well-being of this country.