Air quality in jeopardy

By Alondra Regalado, Las Vegas

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 | 2 a.m.

We need to talk about the quality of air in Nevada.

Residents of this state face some of the worst air pollution in the country. A recent “State of Risk” report published by the Environmental Defense Fund stated that 92 percent of Nevadans live in counties with an F grade in air quality from the American Lung Association. The two most populated regions within the state — Las Vegas and Reno — were ranked among the top 10 most air-polluted regions in the country.

EPA programs combat these issues across our state. However, this situation cannot improve if the current presidential administration’s proposal to cut funding to the EPA passes. This budget cuts funding by more than 30 percent, creating the lowest levels of funding for the EPA since the 1970s.

These proposed cuts would be detrimental to Nevada, one of many states that relies on federal grants provided by the EPA. The Trump administration’s budget cuts would slash one-third of programs focused on monitoring air quality within Nevada’s local communities.

Defend Our Future works with students to inform their peers and get their community involved in protecting our environment. It is important for individuals to work with them and other groups to reach out to our senators and make sure that our voices are heard: No cuts to the EPA.

There is no doubt that this proposed budget cut will cause devastating problems for the state of Nevada and its residents. This conversation needs to continue with students, activists and constituents, and we can’t let Congress cut it short.