Join The Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air

Since November of 2017, Clean Air Council has been working to mobilize citizens of Southwest Pennsylvania to advocate for clean air and a healthy environment through the Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air initiative. The goal of the Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air initiative is to create 100 neighborhood groups of 10 members throughout the region so that residents can learn about and take action on the most pressing environmental issues in Southwest Pennsylvania. In the nine months since the first leader training session, the Council has trained over 80 group leaders, and 20 groups now meet regularly to learn about regional air quality concerns. Groups meet once a month for nine months. At each monthly meeting, group members complete an action step – such as writing a letter to a legislator or researching their local zoning ordinances.

The Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air educational materials trace environmental issues back through Pittsburgh’s history of steel manufacturing and ultimately highlight the potential dangers to citizens’ health and wellbeing from proposals to make the region a hub for the petrochemical industry. Whether the group members are PhDs or high school graduates, whether they have been involved in environmental advocacy for years or this is the first they are hearing about it, each group member will gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues that impact their health and the health of their neighbors.

The Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air has the potential to make a lasting and positive difference in the region. The initiative is already building power and community around a shared concern for regional air quality.  Clean Air Council asks that you consider getting involved. By the end of the summer, the Council hopes to double the number of active groups, as we continually train more community members to become leaders with this initiative. To become a leader, community members meet with Clean Air Council staff to read through the educational materials, understand the action steps, and discuss plans for starting their own neighborhood group.  Contact Jay Walker (412-532-9194, jwalker@cleanair.org) today to get involved in a group and to join your neighbors across the region in advocating for a healthier and more sustainable future.