Press Release

On the heels of the summer of 2005, which was plagued by persistent heat and poor air quality conditions, The Partnership is encouraging area residents to stay up-to-date on air quality conditions during the second half of the 2006 forecasting season, and continue to take steps at home, at work and on the road to reduce emissions in an effort to prevent any additional orange days and potential red days from occurring.

"The next several weeks are traditionally the worst when it comes to air quality," said Susannah Fuchs, Air Quality Director for the American Lung Association and spokesperson for The Partnership. "From the last half of July through the first part of September, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest, the environment is ideal for the formation of ground level ozone. With this in mind, it's critical that we don't let our guard down because the worst may be yet to come."

Fuchs notes that there are a variety of voluntary measures that residents can adopt during the remainder of the summer to help clear the air. These include including trying an alternative commute such as carpooling, vanpooling or taking mass transit to work. Residents are also encouraged to plan their route using the Missouri Department of Transportation's Gateway Guide program (www.gatewayguide.com). Designed to keep traffic flowing in the region, the website provides commuters with real-time traffic information that they can use to better plan their route to avoid traffic tie-ups and highway construction zones and the related unnecessary idling which results in the release of increased emissions into the air. Residents can also help to reduce emissions on the road by keeping their vehicles properly maintained and waiting until after dusk to refuel.

In addition to the actions residents can take on the road, there are also a variety of additional steps they can take at home and at work to improve the region's air quality. From lowering the thermostat to choosing energy efficient appliances and planting trees and shrubs around the house, there are numerous ways to reduce emissions at home. At work, simple steps such as bringing lunch to work or walking to lunch to avoid car trips made during the heat of the day can go a long way towards clearing the air. Information on these and dozens of other tips can be found on The Partnership's website at www.cleanair-stlouis.com.

Throughout the remainder of the summer, individuals who visit The Partnership's website and sign-up to receive the daily air quality forecast, will receive a Clean Air Partnership insulated lunchbox, while supplies last. The special promotion is designed to give individuals an extra incentive to visit The Partnership's website, so they can learn more about the air quality issues in our region and stay informed on air quality conditions during the remainder of the summer.

To learn more about the region's air quality, the regional clean air effort, or for information on what you can do to care about clean air at home, at work and on the road, log on to The Partnership's website at www.cleanair-stlouis.com or 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 Council of Governments, Washington University and others, to increase awareness of regional air quality issues and to encourage activities to reduce air pollution emissions

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for more information, contact:

Shelene Scarborough or Julie Hauser
The Hauser Group, Inc.
(314) 436-9090

-or-

Susannah Fuchs
American Lung Association
(314) 645-5505

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