Great Rivers’ Air Quality Program seeks to protect the public health by preventing further deterioration of the region’s air and water quality, and by reducing and preventing exposure to toxic substances.
Air pollution is linked to increased risk of various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as some cancers.
An important part of our Air Quality Program involves monitoring actions taken by federal, state and local governments that will impact the quality of the air breathed by the citizens of Missouri and surrounding states.
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 people in urban areas experience negative health effects due to air pollution.
Measures taken by Great Rivers include drafting comments to proposed rules, issuing position papers about pollutants, representing individuals in agency proceedings, and, as a last resort, handling litigation for clients seeking to improve air quality and public health.