Why is the Clean Air we want to Breath such a Political Issue?

photo used with permission from MorgueFile free license

You'd think that politicians would like to go on record as wanting Americans to breath clean air. How have environmental issues become such a political topic? Why are earth friendly voter who are concerned about their families being exposed to toxic chemicals considered to be fringe groups?


An interesting article broaching this subject was published in Bloomsberg Business Week.Written by Paul M. Barrett, the article called "Clean Air Act isn't pain free, but it pays off", the article says that:

"At least 19 Republican-sponsored bills have been introduced in both houses of Congress seeking to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from taking actions such as limiting emission of climate-warming greenhouse gases and imposing tougher rules for ground-level pollutants such as mercury. Republicans and their industry allies warn that assertive regulation will hurt energy providers like Midwest Generation, killing jobs in a fragile economy. "Left unchecked, EPA's actions would have a devastating impact on jobs, U.S. competitiveness, and domestic energy prices," Representative Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said on Apr. 7 after the House passed legislation he wrote forbidding the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act."

Is it all about the money? Is it about jobs? Is it about protecting big business contributors?

I suggest everyone who is interested in this debate about  the Clean Air Act read this article. As we continue to do our part to live 'green', it would be nice to know that our efforts are making a difference. It takes a bit of effort on our part to reduce pollution. It sometimes costs us a bit of money. All we want is a cleaner world.

It doesn't make any difference if people believe that global warming and climate change are man made or not. Why would you take the chance? And why not take every opportunity to make sure that people don't become ill just because the breath the air, drink the water and nourish themselves from the earth.