Virginians for Healthy Air
Who we are
Virginians for Healthy Air is a coalition of Virginia businesses, local governments, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations that share the vision of healthy air for the Commonwealth and for Shenandoah National Park (NP). To read a fact sheet on Virginians for Healthy Air click here.
Members of the Virginia for Healthy Air currently include bed and breakfasts, wineries, summer camps, and local businesses from across the state. Meet the members of Virginians for Healthy Air. Meet the members of Virginians for Healthy Air. Add your Virginia business today!
What we do
Virginians for Healthy Air are teaming up with NPCA to help advance clean air for Shenandoah and Virginia. Virtually all of the air pollution that enters the park comes from sources outside its boundary. Therefore, the entire state will see benefits as we work to meet the goals for clean air and clear vistas in Shenandoah National Park.
In order to accomplish these goals coalition members are updated on how to get involved at both the state and national level in efforts to clear the air. Currently in Virginia the "Mercury or Me" Campaign is underway. This is an effort to bring attention to the effects mercury, a potent neurotoxin, on the Commonwealth’s children and unborn.
One of the largest sources of mercury emissions are coal-fired power plants which release the toxin into the air. Mercury then falls on Virginia’s land and water and enters the food chain where it can contaminate local fish and cause developmental delays in children. Currently regulations on mercury are too lax in Virginia and through the "Mercury or Me" campaign NPCA and the Virginians for Healthy Air will push for regulations that will reduce this toxin.
How you can help
If you are a member of a civic organization, local government, or church urge your group to join the coalition today. If you own a Virginia business you can sign up online. For more information please contact Erin St. John at 304.250.7833 or estjohn@npca.org.
Additional Resources
Unnatural Disaster: Global Warming and Our National Parks
July 2007
Although the situation seems dire, NPCA's report says we can still halt the most severe effects of climate change if we take action now.
Turning Point
August 2006
NPCA's report reveals air pollution is a system-wide challenge for the national parks with one in three parks--more than 150 of the 390 national park units in the National Park System--located in parts of the country where air pollution exceeds federal standards.
