Advocating for Clean Air in Our National Parks: A Call to Action
In mid-June, the Sierra Club Wyoming Energy Team organized an inspiring art build in Laramie, followed by another in Jackson Hole, to prepare for a rally in Grand Teton National Park. With the leadership of our coordinator, Conor Mullen, and the support of our creative and enthusiastic partners from Sunrise Jackson Hole and Jackson Hole Climate Action Collective, we crafted signs and banners to amplify our message:
We have the right to experience the beauty of our National Parks without the visual and respiratory impacts of regional haze, a consequence of pollution from coal-powered plants around Wyoming.
During this time, we took a day to enjoy the great outdoors and strategize on the most effective ways to educate visitors about the issue of regional haze and how to advocate for action from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our efforts culminated in a gathering of six Sierra Club Climate and Energy Team members from across Wyoming near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park.
The day was beautifully clear, albeit with a touch of haze in the afternoons, just as we anticipated. Fueled by passion and enthusiasm, we set up a table to showcase our protest art, distributed fact sheets on regional haze, and invited visitors to sign our petition and write comments on postcards to be sent to the EPA. We engaged with visitors from all over the country who cherish our National Parks and who, thanks to our efforts, are now more aware of the regional haze problem in Wyoming.
Why Advocating for Clean Air Matters
When visiting our National Parks, it is crucial to take time to advocate for clean air. Regional haze not only diminishes the breathtaking views but also poses health risks to visitors and wildlife. By raising awareness and urging the EPA to enforce existing anti-pollution laws, we can protect the natural beauty and air quality of these cherished landscapes.
We urge all park visitors to join us in this vital cause. Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the splendor of our National Parks without the blight of regional haze. Let's keep our skies clear and our air clean for all to enjoy.
Follow this link to submit a comment to the EPA, asking them to clean up our skies and Protect Our Parks.