Target: Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York
Goal: Support the reduction of transportation pollution and its toxic effect on people.
“They are the reason for our pain:” this heartbreaking statement was directed at countless trucks and cars spewing toxic fumes. The man making the statement is a resident of a New York City neighborhood dubbed ‘Asthma Alley’ for its high rates of respiratory illness. Such illnesses reflect the human toll of massive transportation pollution, which is a critical problem covered in calls for reform like this ForceChange petition. A recent promising move by New York leadership may bring needed relief to some of the nation’s most at-risk citizens.
An effort signed into law by the state governor will levy a fee on drivers who venture into the busiest and most congested parts of New York City. The law is designed in part to encourage more focus on the city’s public transit systems. Even a small dip in the massive number of exhaust-emitting cars and trucks coming into the city would benefit the nearby residents who suffer most.
Some NYC neighborhoods—especially those near major highways—currently have asthma rates five times that of other parts of the country. Minorities often bear the brunt of these unhealthy effects. Studies estimate that African Americans and Hispanics breathe well over 50 percent more pollution than they contribute to the atmosphere. Caucasians, on the other hand, take in just 17 percent more pollutants than they cause.
Sign this petition to encourage an important effort that could curb harmful pollution in one of America’s most polluted regions.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Cuomo,
New York recently made major strides with its plastic bag ban and its congestion charge. The latter in particular could have an important, yet underappreciated, positive impact on your state’s public health. So many New Yorkers living near NYC’s many major roadways are plagued by chronic respiratory ailments like asthma. These citizens, disproportionately minorities, are essentially being punished for choosing one of the country’s most storied cities as their home.
The congestion charge, and the subsequent boost in support for public transit, could reduce harmful emissions and provide a much-needed opening for further progression and reform. Please invest in improved public transit options for those areas that currently do not benefit from these luxuries. Most importantly, please continue to be a proactive advocate for a cleaner, healthier New York.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Aurelien Guichard
Moving in the right direction!
Thank you!