Ride Free On Air Quality Action Days Program Needs Your Help!
The Partnership is in the process of applying for a DEP Environmental Educational Grant to enable us to continue our successful Ride Free On Air Quality Action Days Program. We are excited about this opportunity, though, should our application prove successful, it's still likely that grant funds may not be available in time for this Air Quality Season. We’re looking for partners that may be willing to sponsor a Ride Free on Air Quality Action Day in May, June, July, and August. Sponsors will have access to promotional opportunities on regional media outlets, on the LANTA system, the DEP website, our Partnership e-newsletter and elsewhere. Partners in the media industry can help this effort further with donations of airtime or print space for Ride Free Partners. Please consider a sponsorship for this worthy program. For more information please visit www.LVBCAir.org or contact Chris Cocca at contact@lvbcair.org.

Calling all K-4 Educators!
Adventures In Air Quality Coloring Books Available For Your Schools!
The Partnership is looking to give these fun and informative books to schools as part of our educational outreach program. Representatives are available to lead classroom or assembly-style presentations on air quality issues that include the teaching of steps that students can share with parents to help improve air quality. It’s a perfect lesson for Earth Day (April 22) or during Air Quality Awareness Week (April 27 – May 1). Order your books online at www.LVBCAir.org and get in touch with Chris Cocca at contact@lvbcair.org to schedule a presentation.

Improved Air Quality Leads to Longer Life, Study Finds!
A new study from the New England Journal of Medicine links reductions in fine particulate pollution to increased life expectancy. Based on the study's findings, we're able to extrapolate that the change in PM2.5 levels between 1980 and 2000 in the Allentown metro area has resulted in about 4 to 5 months of additional average life expectancy in our area. Visit www.LVBCAir.org to read the entire article.

DEP to Hold Public Meetings on Eight-Hour Ozone Designation Recommendations

The DEP will hold a series of public meetings next month to hear comments on proposed air quality designations for Pennsylvania counties. On March 12, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a revised 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard. This health-based standard, 0.075 parts-per-million measured over an eight-hour period, is more protective of public health and the environment. As required under the Clean Air Act, EPA will announce area designations (attainment, nonattainment, or unclassifiable) in March 2010. Visit www.LVBCAir.org to read the entire article.