The American Lung Association’s Annual “State Of The Air” Report confirmed what New Jersey’s lower income families and communities of color already know—our air stinks. 

A toxic stew of filthy fossil fuels from trucks rumbling through our neighborhoods, and airplanes dropping diesel particulates as they take off and land above us are why the Lung Association gave Bergen and Mercer Counties an “F” grade for air quality.

It’s not much better if you live in Hudson, Essex, or Camden Counties where cancer risks far exceed the state average due in large part to the unhealthy air we breathe.

Our families shouldn’t have to live in this contaminated cloud, but thanks to clean fuels, there’s a solution to reduce pollution.

Clean Fuels Reduce Air Pollution From Transportation By Up To 80% 

Four states are already encouraging fuel production from local, recycled sources like used cooking oils, food waste, and farm waste to power cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes. As a result, communities disproportionately affected by air pollution are seeing fewer breathing-related emergency room visits and lower childhood asthma rates. 

The key to success in those states? Legislation called the Clean Fuel Standard, which encouraged oil companies to work with those who produce greener gas and diesel to reduce the amount of pollution in every gallon sold to consumers, trucking companies, shipping companies, and airlines. 

Thanks to Clean Fuel Standard legislation, over 25 billion barrels of petroleum have remained in the ground, and climate pollution is leveling off faster than anywhere in the nation. 

Finally, drivers who want to be more environmentally friendly can choose to reduce the pollute in their commute for about the same price as fossil fuels with the car or truck they already own.

Clean Fuel Standard Bill Introduced In Trenton

Earlier this year, New Jersey legislators introduced a clean fuel bill modeled after those passed in New Mexico and the three West Coast states with a goal of reducing the pollution in every gallon of gas and diesel by 10% by 2030. 

If passed, oil companies could either voluntarily reduce the amount of emissions in their product, or pay into a private credit market that can be used to help companies making greener gas and diesel build more capacity to serve airlines, delivery vans, cargo ships, and long-haul trucks.

Already, states with clean fuel laws have seen billions of dollars invested in their communities because it’s far more affordable to recycle waste into fuel locally rather than import it from halfway around the world. 

Speak Up In Favor Of Clean Fuel Legislation

It’s time to end the legacy of environmental disparities that have disproportionately affected our communities, and the clean fuel standard is a step toward a more just society. 

Learn more about the Clean Fuel Standard and get involved at www.FillItUpClean.com.