St. Louis Air Quality by St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership

ST. LOUIS, MO., August 15, 2007

The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership (The Partnership) and representatives of the area’s leading transportation agencies today gathered for the official launch of The I-64 Clean Air Challenge. The new initiative is designed to educate the public about the link between construction-related traffic congestion and air quality, and it is focused on encouraging area residents to make a pledge to do at least one thing to help keep the region’s air quality in the healthy range during the St. Louis area’s largest highway reconstruction project to date.

During a morning press conference held on the rooftop of the Brentwood/I-64 MetroLink/MetroBus parking garage, The Partnership, along with representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Metro, Citizens for Modern Transit and RideFinders outlined specific plans for The I-64 Clean Air Challenge, which can be taken online at www.cleanair-stlouis.com. Against a backdrop of construction already in progress on the I-64/I-170 interchange, they emphasized the role the challenge is designed to play in encouraging individuals to take steps such as carpooling or vanpooling, utilizing mass transit, finding alternate routes to work or taking advantage of flex-time and telecommuting options in order to alleviate traffic congestion and the related emissions that can lead to poor air quality as the project rolls on.

“For over a year now, the public has been warned that intensifying work on the I-64 project has the potential to severely impact traffic flow in our region and that individual commuting choices will play a critical role in determining how severe the impact will be,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association of the Central States and spokesperson for The Partnership. “We want area residents to know that the impact goes beyond the frustration of sitting in traffic jams; this is a project that could impact our region’s health if we don’t take action now to keep traffic moving and keep our air quality at healthy levels.”

By kicking off the I-64 Clean Air Challenge now - with work shifting into high gear on the project and the region entering what has in previous years been a period of poor air quality - The Partnership hopes that people will understand the importance of the connection. Fuchs notes the goal is for people to make a pledge now to utilize an alternate mode for their work commutes, try out that mode and be ready to use that alternative on an ongoing basis while work intensifies on the I-64 project; as opposed to waiting until 2008 when the project is in full-swing and gridlock conditions are upon us to begin modifying their behaviors.

Individuals who are already utilizing alternative commuting options are also encouraged to take part in the I-64 Clean Air Challenge by making a pledge to take one or more additional steps to improve the region’s air quality during the I-64 project.

“We want to stress that the I-64 Clean Air Challenge is open to everyone,” added Fuchs. “Those who are already taking action on the road can make pledges to sign up another solo-commuter to try transit, carpooling or another commuting alternative; or they can take a number of additional steps themselves at home and at work to reduce emissions.” From reducing their energy use by lowering the thermostat or choosing energy efficient appliances to brown bagging lunch or walking to lunch rather than driving, there are numerous ways individuals can do their share for cleaner air during the I-64 project and beyond.

To make a pledge, click here. Each person who registers will receive a Clean Air Challenge-themed decal they can display in the car or in a window at home or work. As an added incentive to participate, those making pledges during the first 64 days of the Challenge, (from Aug. 15 – Oct. 17) will also be entered into drawings for chances to win great weekly prizes and one of several grand prize trips to Mexico. For the duration of the I-64 Clean Air Challenge, The Partnership will be tracking the number of people taking part and the types of pledges being made so that they can report back to the community on the success of the initiative and use the data to help inspire others to rise to the challenge.

To learn more about the I-64 Clean Air Challenge, the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership, the health implications of poor air quality, or for more information on ways you can do your share for cleaner air, call (314) 645-5505 ext. 1007.

The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership was formed in 1995, led by the American Lung Association, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, Washington University and others, to increase awareness of regional air quality issues and to encourage activities to reduce air pollution emissions.

Press Release

CLEAN AIR PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES I-64 CLEAN AIR CHALLENGE

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