Environmental Organizations To Bike For Clean Air

Join the Sierra Club, Greenpeace and the Clean Air Council in a "bike march" to Senator Bob Casey's office on Tuesday, August 2nd to stand up for clean air and against harmful smog pollution.

The group will meet at 12 noon at the spur on the Schuylkill River Bike Path at the bottom of the ramp leading up to Chestnut Street and bike to Senator Casey's office at 20th and Market Street.

According to the Sierra Club this action follows Orange Alert Days that have occurred during the last several weeks in Philadelphia (on 7/18 and 7/21). An Orange Alert Day occurs when pollution levels are unhealthy and breathing the air can threaten people's health. Cyclists and other people doing other forms of outdoor exercise can be especially impacted.

Coal-fired power plants and pollution from cars can trigger asthma attacks and other health problems, especially for children and the elderly. Local residents will demand strong clean air protections from the Environmental Protection Agency that will reduce pollution from cars and encourage a 21st century transportation system while ensuring the move from coal to clean energy sources like wind and solar.

The EPA will announce updated air quality standards this summer, and local residents will insist that the guidelines be strong enough to protect people's health. They will also insist that members of Congress not interfere with EPA efforts to clean up the air.