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Resolution Regarding Clean Air
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Whereas, Air pollution causes serious health problems, including cancer, lung disease, asthma, and premature death, particularly in children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems;
Whereas, In Michigan, nearly 1 million people suffer from asthma, including more than 225,000 children and air pollution is one of the major triggers of asthma attacks;
Whereas, Health problems related to air pollution are expensive, including $1.5 billion in Michigan annually for medical costs related to emissions from coal-fired power plants;
Whereas, Clean air programs provide strong public health protections that have saved hundreds of thousands of American lives and prevented countless asthma attacks, heart attacks, premature deaths, and other pollution-related illnesses;
Whereas, Clean air standards have significant economic benefits that outweigh the costs 30:1, due to to better health and productivity, as well as savings on medical expenses;
Whereas, More than two-thirds of Michigan voters support updating clean air standards to protect public health; and
Whereas, The Clean Air Promise Campaign strives to educate the public about the public health benefits of clean air and a common-sense approach to reducing air pollution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Ann Arbor, That we do hereby commend the Clean Air Promise Campaign on its educational efforts and undertake to support clean air policies and other protections that scientists and public health experts have recommended to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to safeguard our air quality.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Smith and Teall and Mayor Hieftje