Senate Resolution No. 5077

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018 as Clean Air Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
organizations which focus on improving air quality in order to benefit
the health of our citizens, while setting the highest level of
environmental standards for the state and country; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as Clean Air
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Clean Air Month; and

WHEREAS, Supported by the American Lung Association, Clean Air Month
educates people about the impact clean air can have on their lives, and
encourages them to take positive steps to help improve air quality; and

WHEREAS, Clean air, is air which has a natural balance of gases such
as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and does not contain pollutants
or allergens; clean air does not harm the environment, nor is it a cause
or trigger of health problems; and

WHEREAS, Poor quality air can harm the environment and can affect us
all; toxic air pollution is linked to serious conditions such as cancer
and chronic bronchitis, and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such
as asthma; and

WHEREAS, Air pollution can also harm the environment; the burning of
fossil fuels (often for transport or electricity generation) releases
high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere;
and

WHEREAS, These gases react with other gases and water to create rain
which is acidic; acid rain raises the acid levels of water and disrupts
the natural balance of life in lakes and rivers; it can also damage
plants and trees; and

WHEREAS, Pollutants which can affect clean air and the environment
Include: acid rain, ozone toxic air pollution, lead, sulfur dioxide, and
particulate soot, as well as carbon monoxide; and

WHEREAS, The Clean Air Act came into force in 1970, and has been
successful in reducing air quality related health conditions and
premature death; and

WHEREAS, Clean Air Month is a time for New York and the entire
country to celebrate the impact the Clean Air Act has had on the way
people think about the environment and on the overall health of its
people; and

WHEREAS, It is important that individuals are made aware of the
effects they have on air quality and air pollution and vice versa;

Americans can make positive steps to improving the quality of our air by
reducing our use of electricity, using transport more efficiently, and
supporting legislation which improves air quality; and

WHEREAS, National Clean Air Month aims to promote events which
increase quality awareness and inspire people to take steps, no matter
how large or small, to reduce their contribution to air pollution; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as Clean Air
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.