ST. PAUL, Minn. -- "We don't have to look up the quality of air for the day, we feel it," mother and asthma sufferer Christie Hughes said. She and her 3-year-old son Parker have asthma.
Parker uses a nebulizer, a device that administers medication in the form of a mist into the lungs, 2-3 times daily on top of medications; "on a good day," Hughes said.
Hughes spoke on behalf of the advocate group, Environment Minnesota. They released their report at the Capitol Tuesday on the affects of car pollution on the quality of air in Minnesota. They did this in support of the "Minnesota Clean Car" legislation.
"If we can reduce some of the effects that produce childhood asthma I think the public would like to do that," Hughes said.
Young children, people with asthma and senior citizens are affected most by the quality air explained advocate for Environment Minnesota, Monique Sullivan.
The quality of air in Minnesota was rated "less than good" on at least one out of every five days during 2007, according to state air quality officials.
By addressing the positive health affects this bill will have, we're having the other half of the conversation said chief author of the Minnesota Clean Car Act, Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL - Brooklyn Park/Coon Rapids).
The report states that transportation is responsible for a quarter of Minnesota's pollution.
Pollution contributes to global warming. In warmer conditions smog is more easily created. Smog is what causes many health issues; according to the report.
The report notes that officials from North-eastern states estimate that the Clean Cars program will cut smog-forming pollutants by 15 percent and reduce toxic air pollutants by eight percent by 2025.
"We have a lot more work to do to clean up the air we breathe everyday," Sullivan said.
Interstate 94 runs right through Rep. Erin Murphy's (D-St. Paul) district; Rep. Murphy stated. She's concerned about the effects car emissions have on kids who play outdoors. One her constituents suggested a noise wall.
"A noise wall will not solve this problem, this legislation will," Rep. Murphy said.
Rep. Murphy who has a background in nursing co-authored this bill with representative and nurse practitioner Maria Ruud (D-Minnetonka).
"The more we can do to reduce air pollution the better our health will be." Rep. Ruud smiled.
Legislators are optimistic about the passing of their bill saying "There's more than one way to skin a cat."
Vehicle manufactures are the main opponents of this bill Rep. Hortman said.
This bill would increase car mileage, save consumers money at the pump, reduce oil consumption and prevent unnecessary health problems Rep. Hortman said.
The bill has one more committee meeting in the Senate and possibly two more in the House.
