City Councilmembers Come Together as Clean Air Make More Ambassadors

April 22, 2010



Clean Air Make More

City Councilmembers Come Together as Clean Air Make More Ambassadors
Arizona Elected Officials Make the Clean Air Commitment to Improve Air Quality

PHOENIX (April 22, 2010) – In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is announcing its Clean Air Make More Ambassadors, elected officials whom have vowed to create awareness and build a healthy, prosperous, economy for current residents and future generations.  Clean Air Make More Ambassadors are Councilmembers representing cities and towns throughout Maricopa County and are devoted to addressing the air quality crisis, impacting the health of residents and the growth of Arizona. 

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is proud to announce its first Clean Air Make More Ambassadors; Dennis Brown, Town of Fountain Hills Councilmember, Bill Gates, City of Phoenix Councilmember, Tony Nelssen, City of Scottsdale Councilmember, Joanne Osborne, City of Goodyear Councilmember and Corey Woods, City of Tempe Councilmember.  The primary focus of the Clean Air Make More Ambassadors is to create awareness among citizens and reduce the number of days Maricopa County exceeds the federal health standards for air pollution.

Overseeing the Air Quality Department, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a vested interest in reducing air pollution. “As visionaries, Clean Air Make More Ambassadors see the big picture in regards to the health of everyone,” said Chairman Don Stapley, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2.  “They are committed to finding a solution for the air quality crisis and ultimately health issues in Maricopa County.  These Ambassadors will allow us to continue our discussion on a local level and discuss the simple steps Maricopa County residents must take to create a change in behavior and clean the air we breathe.”

Maricopa County along with the Maricopa Association of Governments has a ‘5% Plan’ to reduce particulate emissions by five percent each year until attainment is reached. 

Dennis Brown, Town of Fountain Hills Councilmember said, “The air quality in our great state affects everyone and everything, and it is up to all of us to reduce air pollution for the protection and well-being of our environment. We need to address this situation, come together as residents of Maricopa County and create change for a healthier future.” 

Everyone including individuals, businesses and government entities, has to do their part to reduce the pollution in the air.  “There are simple things our residents can do to reduce air pollution in Maricopa County such as taking transit or carpooling, not sweeping or blowing dirt onto city streets, and conserving electricity,” said Bill Gates, City of Phoenix Councilmember.  “We are asking that everyone in the county visit CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn what they can do, take action and make Maricopa County a healthier place for all of us.”

The environmental impact from air pollution not only affects public health, but if not brought into attainment, the air quality crisis in Maricopa County is a threat to crucial transportation dollars for the state.  Tony Nelssen, Scottsdale City Councilmember said, “Smart growth in Arizona is dependent upon listening to the desires of our citizen and taxpayers, and meeting air quality standards that will solidify the future of Arizona.”

A top priority of Maricopa County is to protect public health.  Air pollution can cause severe breathing difficulties, upper respiratory problems, and can aggravate asthma conditions. Joanne Osborne, City of Goodyear Councilmember said, “We are coming together as one voice as an example to our constituents to create a movement of change.  We are facing a crisis in Maricopa County, but it’s not an impossible dilemma.  That is why it is up to each and every one of us to take simple actions every day to make a difference.”

Clean Air Make More Ambassadors are bringing this message to their residents and encouraging them to make small lifestyle changes that will have a huge impact on the environment and health of Maricopa County residents.  “Bringing cities and towns together throughout Maricopa County to meet federal clean air standards is a top priority for the City of Tempe,” said Corey Woods, City of Tempe City Councilmember.  “Our air is polluted, and that is not a problem for one city alone, it’s a problem for our entire county to tackle.  We must come together to change our future.”

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is looking for other visionaries to become Clean Air Make More Ambassadors, who are willing to build awareness and make a positive change to impact the future of Maricopa County. To learn about becoming a Clean Air Ambassador visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com.

About Maricopa County Air Quality Department

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the Federal Clean Air Act.

 

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