Pressure grows to update Cleveland’s air pollution standards – Signal Cleveland

Report on Cleveland’s Air Quality Legislation and Sustainable Development Goals

Background and Current Situation

Cleveland’s air quality pollution standards have not been updated since the 1970s. In response, a coalition of community groups focusing on environmental issues, health, housing, and workers’ rights is urging the Cleveland City Council to advance stalled legislation aimed at tightening pollution regulations.

The city’s health department proposed new rules in March to improve air quality and reduce asthma rates. However, the legislation faced opposition from polluting companies and agencies. The proposed air quality code would require facilities in neighborhoods already burdened by pollution and economic and health disadvantages to undergo a more rigorous permitting process when adding new pollution sources.

Significance in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The legislation aims to reduce asthma rates and improve overall health by addressing air pollution.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Focuses on protecting communities disproportionately affected by pollution and economic disadvantages.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promotes healthier urban environments through stricter pollution controls.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Supports efforts to reduce air pollution contributing to climate change.

Legislative Status and Stakeholder Perspectives

1. The legislation was referred to the City Council’s Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee last spring but has not yet been heard.
2. Yvonka Hall, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Community Resilience Center and member of the Cleveland Air Quality Coalition, emphasized the urgency of City Council’s support for health equity through policy change.
3. Opposition from entities such as Cleveland-Cliffs and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District cited concerns about the cost and regulatory burden.
4. Council President Blaine Griffin indicated the legislation is back with City Council after unsuccessful negotiations with stakeholders.
5. Dr. David Margolius, Director of Public Health, clarified that the rules are intended to improve air quality without reducing employment or creating unnecessary administrative work.
6. Council Member Kevin Conwell, chair of the health committee, anticipates holding a hearing in late March or early April.

Coalition’s Requests for Legislative Improvements

• Inclusion of cumulative pollution impact assessments, requiring companies to consider emissions from nearby existing sources along with new emissions.
• Mandating the Cleveland Department of Air Quality to deny permits in areas already heavily burdened by pollution, rather than allowing discretionary denial.
• Opposition from some polluters to exempt “insignificant air emission sources” and focus stricter permitting on significant emission increases, aligning with Ohio state law.

Challenges from Polluting Entities

• Cleveland-Cliffs requested exemptions for minor emission sources and suggested focusing on significant emission increases.
• The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District expressed concerns that compliance costs would be passed on to residents through fees.

Support for Stricter Air Pollution Regulations

Support for updating Cleveland’s air quality code extends beyond environmental and health organizations:

• Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing highlighted the benefits of stronger air quality laws for monitoring lead pollution during industrial fires or explosions.
• Other supporters include the Northeast Ohio Workers Center, Cleveland Owns (a nonprofit promoting worker- and community-owned cooperatives), the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and Cleveland VOTES.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Reducing air pollution directly contributes to lowering respiratory illnesses and improving public health.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – By addressing pollution sources, the legislation indirectly supports cleaner water resources.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The legislation seeks to balance environmental health with economic considerations, ensuring sustainable employment.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Encourages transparent and equitable policymaking processes involving community stakeholders.

Conclusion

The proposed updates to Cleveland’s air quality standards represent a critical step toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health equity, environmental justice, and sustainable urban development. The coalition’s advocacy underscores the need for comprehensive legislation that addresses cumulative pollution impacts and protects vulnerable communities. Moving forward, City Council’s engagement and timely action will be essential to advance these goals and improve the quality of life for Cleveland residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses reducing asthma rates and improving public health through better air quality regulations.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s role in sewage and stormwater treatment is mentioned, linking to sanitation and environmental health.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on improving air quality in Cleveland’s neighborhoods, especially those with economic and health disadvantages, relates to making cities more sustainable and inclusive.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Efforts to reduce pollution and emissions contribute to climate action and environmental protection.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights health and environmental disparities affecting African American communities and overburdened neighborhoods.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Workers’ rights and concerns about employment impacts from pollution regulations are discussed.

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 materials.
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning (including pollution control).
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, focusing on vulnerable communities affected by pollution.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Indicators
   • Measurement of pollution levels in neighborhoods, especially cumulative pollution impacts from multiple sources.
   • Number of new or modified air pollution permits issued or denied based on pollution burden.
2. Health Indicators
   • Asthma rates and other respiratory illness statistics in affected communities.
3. Environmental Justice Indicators
   • Assessment of disproportionate pollution impacts on economically and health-disadvantaged communities, particularly African American neighborhoods.
4. Economic Indicators
   • Employment levels and economic impacts related to pollution regulation compliance.
5. Regulatory Process Indicators
   • Progress in legislation adoption, hearings held, and enforcement of updated air quality standards.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: signalcleveland.org