~ High Vida Media High Vida Media was thrilled to be an active participant in the Air Alliance Houston Bus Tour on November 29, 2023! The revelation that Houston leads the nation in air pollution has sparked heightened concern for us at HVM, particularly as we witness a troubling increase in pollution levels. Our involvement in this tour is not just a professional endeavor but a genuine commitment to empowering our community with vital information. As we gathered in the meeting room, the presence of numerous media representatives underscored the collective concern of a growing Houston. The city's expansion brings with it a multitude of concerns that resonate deeply with us as Houstonians.
~HOUSTON - On Nov. 29, EMS partnered with the Houston-based nonprofit Air Alliance to take 35 ethnic media representatives from our Houston Ethnic Media (HEM) consortium on a tour of the Houston Ship Channel. This area is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of refineries, petrochemical plants, and cement production plants.
During the tour, reporters experienced firsthand the effects the pollution has on the community, such as;
Greater Houston registers some of the highest pollution of any metro region in the US.
Air pollution contributes to every major health and social issue.
The sources of air pollution in Houston are somewhat varied. It is a Texas problem also because we have a very laxed regulatory environment.
According to the American Lung Association, Houston ranks #9 for ozone and #15 for particle pollution.
The Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA, with its 517 facilities in the Toxic Release Inventory, surpasses other major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, in toxic air substance releases.
In Galena Park, toxic sludge dumped from the port looks like small hills covered over by grass.
In another neighborhood, plans are moving forward to build a cement factory opposite a major hospital.
~"During our remarkable journey, we deliberately made a captivating pause to connect with the heartbeat of the community – the local concerned citizens. This interlude transformed our tour from a mere exploration into a riveting dialogue with the pulse of the town. We stood with all ears , each thread weaving a unique story of passion and conviction.In another neighborhood, plans are moving forward to build a cement factory opposite a major hospital.
The health impacts are severe (within a two-mile radius of the Port, for example, leukemia rates among children are 50 times higher than those for outlying areas.)
The Houston area, plagued by high industrial concentration and lack of zoning, sees its low-income, communities of color living alongside heavy polluters.
These communities, facing regular over-emission by facilities, are now taking matters into their own hands by installing air monitors which can collect data, proving the direct link from the plants to pollution.
The data collected from the air monitors is needed to help hold state regulators and polluters accountable, and it aids in making informed health decisions.
The hardest hit neighborhoods also overlap with lower income and communities of color.
Neighborhood activists are mobilizing with the support of Air Alliance; EPA just gave a grant to the Environmental Community Advocates of Galena Park (ECAGP).
~Air Alliance Houston ~"Moreover, our journey took a profound turn when Air Alliance Houston graciously shared invaluable insights. They shed light on critical health concerns stemming from diverse forms of pollution. The information they imparted acted as a sobering reminder of the intricate relationship between our environment and public health.
~HVM~A heartfelt appreciation goes to Air Alliance Houston for their unwavering dedication to informing and improving our city. They stand as beacons of commitment, tirelessly working to empower citizens with knowledge, bridging the gap between information and action. In a city that's continually evolving, organizations like Air Alliance Houston play an indispensable role in fortifying the foundations of informed, engaged, and empowered communities. Thank you for your tireless efforts in making Houston not just bigger, but better for all."
HVM~Sources - https://airalliancehouston.org
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