Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 7
An overheating climate is lowering CT air quality
Part 1 of a three part series
In the wake of Saturday’s shocking attack on the former president, President Biden called on Americans to “cool down” our heated political rhetoric. We agree. There’s no relief, however, from this summer’s actual heat, fueled by climate change. That requires fact-driven, responsible, political leadership.
Record breaking heat waves coupled with air quality alerts are now a regular feature in the breaking news bar on News12. So far in July, the CT environmental agency has posted air quality warnings almost daily.
Ozone is the air quality culprit, formed after trucks, cars, power plants, and diesel and gas-powered equipment emit air pollutants. At the same time, burning fossil fuels adds to the blanket of CO2 warming the Earth. The hotter the temperature, the faster ozone forms. It’s a vicious cycle.
The American Lung Association gives Fairfield County an “F” for ozone pollution; we have the highest ozone readings for the entire eastern half of the country! This exacerbates the effects of the heat, making summer activities dangerous for everyone, like running at the beach, walking in the park, or playing ball. They’re especially risky for people with asthma and other lung diseases, the young, elderly, pregnant women and lower-income households.
We need leaders who will clean things up
Conservatives on the Supreme Court just made the prospect of improvement less likely. By a vote of 6-3, they gave judges the power to overturn long-standing air quality protections or prevent new ones from being adopted. “Connecticut sits at the end of our nation’s tailpipe,” said Attorney General Tong.“Without strong federal regulations and responsible actions by our upwind neighbors, we will continue to inhale smog from our country’s heaviest cross-state polluters.”
Your civic engagement can help:
- Elect candidates this November who support clean air legislation;
- Support policies that promote green space;
- Encourage Greenwich to seek clean energy solutions for our municipal buildings.
Greenwich Democrats know climate change is a significant threat to Greenwich’s environment, including our health, economy, and way of life. Urge Republicans to take the warming climate seriously and collaborate to develop innovative solutions that ensure a sustainable future, including safe air to breathe.
Open forum for Democratic candidates inspires voters
About 70 people showed up at an open forum for Democratic legislative candidates Sunday, many coming away with a new appreciation for the impact of local and state politics on their daily lives.
State Representatives Steve Meskers (D-150th), Rachel Khanna (D-149th) and Hector Arzeno (D-151st) described their accomplishments, including bringing in a stunning $29 million in state funding for the Central Middle School rebuild, the Glenville traffic project, and our community organizations.
Nick Simmons, the Democratic nominee for the 36th state Senate seat, pointed out that his opponent had voted against gun safety, and legislation to improve access to abortion and protect health care providers.“Those aren’t Greenwich values,” he said.
“I love the young turnout here!” exclaimed attendee Polly Bruce, 29. “I hope this will galvanize more on a local level.” Jason McGuire, who is a new Democratic Town Committee associate member and is volunteering on Nick’s campaign, seconded that. “People need to realize that local politics is just as important as national elections.”
Democratic Action Calendar
July 19. Call.
Nick Simmons virtual phone bank: Friday, July 19: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Join Zoom here.
July 18, 20 & 21. Canvass.
Join the Nick Simmons campaign canvass this Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. RSVP here for details.
July 23 & 24. Call.
Rachel Khanna virtual phone banks: Tuesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 25: 4-6 p.m. Signup here.
| Volume 3, Number 7 • July 18, 2024 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |