Aug. 17, 2022
For immediate release
Media Contact: Allison Nagel
805-512-0901
allison@sustainablesolano.org
Interviews, photos and other materials available upon request
New Program in Fairfield Will Tackle Poor Air Quality, Engage Youth
Residents of Fairfield are dealing with an environmental burden that, in large part, remains unseen by the naked eye — poor air quality. Fairfield is affected by air pollutants from the traffic along Interstate 80 and Highway 12, as well as the seasonal damage to air quality from wildfires. City residents have increased rates of asthma and higher rates of cardiovascular disease, both of which are directly linked to poor air quality.
A new Air Quality program from Sustainable Solano, with funding from the California Air Resources Board, will collaborate with Fairfield residents to address these concerns through the establishment of a high school Youth Air Protectors program and an extensive community outreach campaign.
The Youth Air Protectors program will engage high school students around air pollution. Each team of students will make a five-month commitment to the program, with the first group starting work this fall. Youth Air Protectors will collect air quality data in Fairfield, analyze the sustainability of Fairfield’s urban planning, and reflect on how environmental hazards disproportionately impact different communities. Students will play a pivotal role in spreading air quality awareness in Fairfield through community education and air sensor distribution and will help spearhead the movement for a more walkable and sustainable future through city beautification projects.
Using direct community feedback and conversations, Sustainable Solano and the Youth Air Protectors will assist the people of Fairfield in shaping an Air Quality Action Plan that will serve as a blueprint for continued efforts in addressing air quality within the city and as a model for other cities.
The Air Quality program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
For more information on the Air Quality program or to apply for the Youth Air Protectors, visit https://sustainablesolano.org/air-quality/
About Sustainable Solano
Sustainable Solano is a countywide nonprofit organization that is dedicated to “Nurturing Initiatives for the Good of the Whole.” The organization, now in its second decade, brings together programs that support and sustain one another and the Solano County community. Initiatives include sustainable landscaping, local food, resilient neighborhoods, youth leadership, sustaining conversations and community gardens.
For more information, visit sustainablesolano.org
