Preserving Community Science in the Face of Attacks – The Equation – Union of Concerned Scientists

Report on the Public Health Air Quality Act and the Role of Community Science in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Tammy Duckworth have re-introduced the Public Health Air Quality Act, a federal bill aimed at enhancing air pollution monitoring and accountability in the United States. This legislative effort aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by addressing air quality and public health concerns.

Context and Challenges

The bill emerges amidst federal rollbacks on environmental regulations, including the elimination of toxic air pollution limits, distortion of climate science, and weakening of vehicle standards. These actions undermine SDG 3 and SDG 13 by threatening public health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, public participation in environmental decision-making is increasingly restricted, conflicting with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Community Science: Democratizing Environmental Monitoring

Definition and Importance

Community science, also known as participatory science, involves public engagement in research and monitoring efforts. It supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 by democratizing science and increasing transparency. Examples include:

1. Using identification apps to document wildlife.
2. Reporting pollution odors in neighborhoods.

Benefits of Community Science

• Enhances public participation in science and policy.
• Fills data gaps left by government agencies, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Warns communities of environmental threats, contributing to SDG 3.
• Drives policy change through grassroots data collection.

Case Study: Maryland Drinking Water Initiative

A community science initiative tested private wells for contamination, leading to legislative action that strengthened protections for well users. This exemplifies progress toward SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3.

Federal and State-Level Support and Barriers

Federal Initiatives

• Biden-Harris administration’s investment in community air monitoring grants (SDG 3, SDG 11).
• EPA’s Air Sensor Toolbox to support high-quality community data collection.
• Expansion of air monitoring networks to address data gaps, especially in vulnerable communities.

Challenges Under the Trump Administration

• Executive orders limiting scientific research scope, undermining SDG 16.
• Bypassing public participation in environmental rulemaking.
• Cutting federal grants for community air monitoring, affecting SDG 3 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Dismantling federal advisory committees involving community members.

State-Level Restrictions on Community Science

Several states have enacted or attempted laws to restrict community science, negatively impacting SDG 16 and SDG 3:

• Louisiana: Bans state consideration of community air data unless EPA-approved; imposes heavy penalties on public discussion of monitoring efforts.
• Kentucky: Prohibits use of community air data in enforcement without EPA-approved equipment.
• West Virginia: Attempted to ban community data use in administrative proceedings.
• Ohio: Attempted to restrict community air data in enforcement actions.

Implications of State Actions

• Excludes public input from health-impacting decisions.
• Increases reliance on industry-collected data, which may be unreliable.
• Undermines democratic principles and public trust.

Advocacy and Legal Responses

Grassroots organizations, particularly in Louisiana, are legally challenging restrictive laws, asserting free speech rights. Legislative task forces have called for increased investments in air monitoring, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 11, but funding remains insufficient.

The Public Health Air Quality Act: A Path Forward

Key Provisions

• Mandates EPA use of fenceline monitoring for toxic pollutants.
• Integrates community and emissions monitoring into regulations.
• Expands the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) monitoring network.
• Deploys additional air quality sensors nationwide.
• Enhances public access to air quality data.

Expected Impact

The Act aims to fill critical air monitoring gaps affecting two-thirds of U.S. counties and nearly three million people living in PM2.5 hotspots. This supports SDG 3 by improving health outcomes and SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban environments.

Call to Action

In light of ongoing federal rollbacks on public health and environmental protections, supporting the Public Health Air Quality Act is essential to advance the SDGs related to health, environment, and governance. Citizens are encouraged to contact their representatives to advocate for this legislation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses air pollution’s impact on public health and the need for improved air quality monitoring to protect communities.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Community science initiatives testing drinking water wells and advocating for stronger protections for private well users are highlighted.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on community air monitoring and addressing pollution in neighborhoods, especially those near industrial sites.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • References to climate science distortion and weakening vehicle standards relate to climate action challenges.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues of public participation, transparency, and democratic engagement in environmental decision-making are emphasized.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals, and increasing water monitoring.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality improvement.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Monitoring Indicators
   • Number and distribution of air quality monitors (e.g., EPA’s network of 4,000 monitors).
   • Levels of criteria pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), soot, and ozone measured by these monitors.
   • Use and integration of community-generated air quality data in regulatory decisions.
2. Water Quality Indicators
   • Number of drinking water tests conducted by community science initiatives.
   • Incidence of nitrate and other contaminants in private wells.
3. Public Participation and Policy Indicators
   • Extent of public engagement in environmental decision-making processes (e.g., participation in federal advisory committees, rulemaking comments).
   • Legislative actions supporting or restricting community science and public data use.
4. Access to Environmental Data
   • Availability and accessibility of community-generated data platforms (e.g., AirNow Fire and Smoke map, Purple Air monitors).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: blog.ucs.org