Summer Fellowship: How Clean Is Your Car?

Submitted by Kathleen on July 10, 2008 - 8:17pm.

Over the past several months, Protestants for the Common Good has been working as part of a coalition to build support for the Illinois Clean Cars Act. Thirteen other states, led by California, have already adopted clean car emissions standards for cars and light-duty trucks. These standards not only set a limit on vehicular global warming pollution, but also regulate other pollutants that are currently being put into our air. Toxins like carbon monoxide combine with sunlight to produce smog-- a primary cause of serious public health risks, including birth defects, cancer, heart disease, and asthma.

Hospitalization rates for asthma in Chicago are double the national average. A variety of education and prevention programs have been implemented to address this issue. However, a recent study showed that, at the current pace of change, it will take 20 years for Chicago just to achieve parity with the rest of the nation! Informing its members about the Clean Car Act is just one example of how PCG works to identify underlying causes of social problems, advocate for needed changes, and ensure that such changes benefit everyone. The faith connection might not be obvious to some. But, as Christians, we all have role to play in creating a community in which each person is given a maximum opportunity to flourish.

So, how clean is your car? You can find out at www.fueleconomy.gov. Meanwhile, check to see if your state has a Clean Cars Act. If not, consider joining efforts to promote cleaner air in your local community, for the good of the community to which we all belong.

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