Advocacy Project: Air Quality Index

The focus of my advocacy project is CLEAN AIR...and reducing emissions from cars. The purpose of the activity is to understand what the AQI is. 

If you click on "CLEAN AIR" above you can visit an interactive website that explains the Air Quality Index. It is basically a chart to tell what the air is like based on colors (green "good", yellow, orange, red, and purple "bad") and numbers ranging from 0-500 (lower the better). It's meant for kids but it's actually really interesting. Essentially it's just an virtual tour breaking things down step by step as well as a little quiz. 

Transportation accounts for more than half of the state's air toxins that contribute to asthma and the degradation of our lakes and rivers. Transportation also attributes to 1/4 of the states global warming emissions. Adopting the Minnesota Clean Cars Program can bring up the number of "good" days over "bad" by manufacturing new cars to a 30% reduction in emissions. The car industries are not too happy about it and think it'll hurt their business.

In the mid-1970's cities including Duluth and Twin cities had such dangerously high levels of smog that the federal government came up with new clean air requirements. Those requirements forced automakers to put catalytic converters on vehicles, even though they thought it was an "unreasonable risk of business catastrophe". In the scheme of things, the air got cleaner. The automobile industry did not die. And millions of people breathed easier. Now here we are 30 years later with the same issue. 

14 states have taken action to require the automakers to bring these advanced technologies to consumers..something Minnesota needs to take part in to bring that number up to 15.

References: 

http://www.cleanenergyminnesota.org/cars.htm

State Representative Melissa Hortman

Here is a close to home article a college student from St. Olaf advocating for the same topic 

Global Warming Solutions News

(Sorry group! My internet on my computer has not been working..it's been driving me crazy)

Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Officer

April 28, 2009

State Representative Melissa Hortman

377 State Office Building

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

I am writing to you in regards to an issue that has been brought to my attention. I am a citizen who is concerned about the future pollution of our state. I support H.F. No. 609 in hopes that you will as well. It is stating that Minnesota should adopt statewide vehicle emisions standards that are more protective than the federal standards. Beginning in 2012, the clean car stanards will require that all new cars and light-duty trucks sold or registered in MN will be manufactured in a way that results in a 30% reduction in emissions by 2016.

Reducing pollution from on-road vehicles in Minnesota is an important piece to the sollution. Why not join the 14 other states in adopting more protective vehicle emission standards. We have a lot to lose in Minnesota--10,000 plus lakes, rivers, animals, our health, and the list could continue on. The knowledge and technology is there to make these cars. It is up to us to put our foot down and take a stand against these auto industries to make them realize it's a win-win situation.

I ask for your support in passing H. F. No. 690. This bill will help to fight the global warming pollutions that can harm the future of what makes Minnesota so unique.

Please contact me for any additional information. Thank you for dedicating your time on this issue.

Sincerly,

Jayme Purkat

100 Environmental Blvd.

Duluth, Mn 55555

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

GMC's 2008 Sierra 1500 already meets the year 2016 clean cars standards when running on E85

Introduction:
Issue/Current Legislation:
Unfortunately due to lack of finding information on my previous topic of coorelating the environment and physical activity with students, I chose to switch to Clean Cars for Minnesota. I went back and found some information from Healthy People 2010 focusing on environmental health and the harmful air pollutants. I next found a related topic for enhancing the Minnesota Clean Car Act; which is requiring decreased emission of criteria air pollutants and green house gas pollution from new motor vehicles. Information for the act, Rep. Melissa Hortman, H. F. No. 690. It is stating that Minnesota should adopt statewide vehicle emisions standards that are more protective than the federal standards. Beginning in 2012, the clean car stanards will require that all new cars and light-duty trucks sold or registered in MN will be manufactured in a way that results in a 30% reduction in emissions by 2016.

Who is affected by the issue?
-The car industries are affected most for the gain and potentially some loss. From my understanding of the things I’ve come across, the technology is already there to make the change to these new vehicles to come. Car manufacturers can reach these standards by making improvements to a car's (TRUCKS, SUV’S, VANS etc) engine, tires, transmission, and air conditioning systems (the list goes on and on). These technologies are readily available and currently in-use by automobile companies worldwide. If they come out with a new model of car each year, why not use the technologies available to make them reduce the pollutions? I’m trying really hard to think critically about the issue and really know nothing about how to make a car. But I would assume there are different ways to make a “Cleaner Car” so that could potentially make some jobs or have a possible loss in jobs.

What are the consequences of the issue?
If nothing is done about the harsh pollutions in the air:
-Public health: The people of Minnesota are at risk for these high rates of pollutants –cancers, asthma, lung disease etc.
-Environment: The lakes, rivers, and streams from the impacts of global warming from the car emissions—as well as animals and forests

What is the economic impact of the issue?
-It is said that there would be a slight increase in the purchase cost of some vehicles
-A clean cars standard would result in a net savings to consumers due to reduced operations costs from fuel efficiency.-Less dependence on foreign oil
-Will reduce at least 13 million metric tons of global warming pollution and other air pollutants and save consumers more than $260 million by 2025 (MCCAG).

What is the social impact on the issue?
-Minnesota will join 14 other states in adopting more protective vehicle emissions standards, authorized under the federal Clean Air Act.
-Consumer and auto industries bear the costs but in the end can both get benefits

What are the barriers?
-Of course MONEY is always a main barrier and topic in every one of these sub-topics of the issue
-Cars/Trucks/Vans made before 2016 where will they go?
-Is there a way to upgrade the “old” cars—how much money will it be?
-Consumers going elsewhere to buy their cars
Overcoming barriers:
-By 2016 there could be some sort of “reward” or stipend for consumers to upgrade their car.
-ALL states in the US could try and get this bill passed..14 (almost 15) down 36 to go!

What are the resources?
-State Representative Melissa Hortman
-Clean Energy for Minnesota
-In both of these websites they provide great information and ways to get involved and stay updated on these issue

What is the history of this issue?
-The auto industry has a history of fighting every advancement and innovation, including seat belts and airbags. This should be just as important as seatbelts and airbags. We need to put our foot down and take action!- At the same time manufacturers say they can’t meet the clean cars standards, they are also publicizing the introduction of these new technologies at auto shows, in press releases, and on their websites.

Allies & Opponents:
Allies-Minnesota Citizen and other state citizens—finding data from the other 14 states of this working for a decrease in pollutants
Opponents- Some Minnesotan citizens, some of the car industries

Recommendations:
VOTE YES for H.F. 690. Air pollution will continue to threaten the public health in Minnesota, while global warming pollution could harm the future of what makes Minnesota so unique—(Bringing it close to home in Duluth) Boundary waters, Lake Superior, Lake Superior Hiking Trail, Jay Cook Park, Chester Bowl..and that is just a few in Duluth! Adopting the Clean Cars program would be a big step to address these challenges to come. Some little steps that make a big difference in correlation to the Clean Cars program—using public transportation, car pooling, bike, walk…We’re in this together, lets take our “Minnesota Nice” to the next level and be nice to our health and environment.

Please feel free to give me some feed back and ideas for these topics!

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

Goal: Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through daily physical activity.

The focus area for physical activity and fitness has 15 objectives related to participation in physical activities and access to physical activity and fitness programs and facilities at schools and worksites.

From looking at the Progress Quotient Chart, it shows that there was anywhere from a 6% to 28% range for moving towards the targeted change. Although unfortunately there was a decrease in moderate, vigorous and participation in physical activity altogether, which is what the goal was focused on.

Expansion...summary of progress, disparities, opportunities & challenges, and emerging issues

Physical inactivity is seen as an important public health problem that has evovled rapidly. The focus was mainly adults ranging from highschool age and up. It seems that some adolescents may perceive vigorous physical activity as socially unacceptable. Based on that same research, possible explanations for such a decrease is due to the diminishing school-based physical activity classes. Some initiatives being done was the "VERB, It's what you do" campaign. It was a national, multicultural, social marketing campaign coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The progress toward elminating disparities showed that the disaparities were similar over time. Although they found one exception was that the population with at least some college education background had the best rate of physical activity.

Race and Ethnicity

Gener, Education, Location, and Education

For most objectives in this focus area, the best group rates were observed in the white non-Hispanic population, persons with at least some college education, urban dwellers, males, and adults without disabilities.

Historically physical activity and fitness were integrated throughout ones daily life. It was a cultures way of life--maintaining the home, transportation, occupation etc. During the 20 century where there was a peak of automobiles and labor-saving devices--the lifestyle changed and physical inactivity was recognized as a risk factor for many chronic disease, poor mental health and overall health and wellbeing. The promotion fo public lands for public help are on the rise to ensure that Americans understand the benefits of being physically active. Federal agencies and national agencies (Heart, Lung, and Blood) are coming together to promote recreational facilities. There was a community based initiative developed, "Hearts N' Parks" developed and designed to inproving the nutrition and increasing physical activity. There are many emerging opportunties in the public health field along with many challenges. There is a lack of evidence based practices for physical activity programs targeting select populations. This challenge will continue for practitioners trying to affect physical activity behaviors within a target population.

Opprotunities have emerged with the coming of new years. There is now advance devices to measure physical activity (pedometers, heart rate monitors etc), to get a better idea of where a person is at physically. Also looking ahead to the future, public health practitioners increasingly view physical activity as a pillar of chronic disease prevention and mental health initiatives.

Related bill from THOMAS:

H.R.1585

Title: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education.

Sponsor: Rep Kind, Ron [WI-3] (introduced 3/18/2009)

Latest Major Action: 3/18/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Recommendation: Vote YES for H.R. 1585 To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education

My Political Representative(s): Congressman James L. Oberstar

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

President:

Barack Obama

Political Affiliation: Democratic

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500


Congress Persons:

Senate: Amy Klobuchar

Political Affiliation: Democratic

Olcott Plaza, Suite105

820 9th Street North

Virginia, MN 55792

Telephone: 218-741-9690

Fax: 218-741-3692

House: James L. Oberstar

Political Affiliation: DFl

Duluth Office:

231 Federal Building

Duluth, MN 55802

Telephone: (218) 727-7474


Govenor: Tim Pawlenty

Political Affiliation: Republican

Office of the Governor

130 State Capitol75

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone: (651) 296-3391

E-mail:tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us


State Legislature:

Senate: Yvonne Prettner Solon

Political Affiliation: DFL

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room G-9

St. Paul, MN 55155-1606

Telephone: 651-296-4188


House: Thomas Huntley

1924 Wallace Ave 55803

Duluth MN

Telephone: 218-724-6568

E-mail: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/mailto.asp?id=10271


County Board President: 5th District

Peg Sweeney

Room 208 100 N. 5th Avenue

West Duluth, MN 55802

Telephone: 218-726-2450

City Mayor

Don Ness

Political Affiliation: DFL

Room 402, 411 West First Street

Duluth, MN 55802

Telephone: 218-730-5230

City Council President:

Greg Gilbert

Gilbert Law Office

Duluth Technology Center, Suite 56311 East Superior Street

Duluth MN 55802

Telephone: 218-625-8777

(Picture by: Amanda Childs)

Introduction

Welcome to Going Green With Jayme!





My name is Jayme. I am a Community Health major at UMD. This blog is created for Environmental Health. We will be using it for various ways to show our progress in this class and to share fun and interesting things about the Environment.

There are 5 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

Advocacy Project
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The members of my web group are:
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