Nicole Nishimura [California Environmental Rights Alliance] "The California Environmental Rights Alliance is an environmental justice organization based in Southern California – home to the worst air quality in the United States. Our organization works with those hardest hit by the effects of pollution. Oftentimes the most polluted neighborhoods are in low-income communities and communities of color – those least equipped to deal with the consequences. We work with these communities on the policy level helping to implement regulations that are protective of community health. That said, naturally, we are strong advocates of compliance when it comes to environmental regulations.

It is unfortunate that the UK has yet to comply with the 2008/50 directive [PDF]. Given the amount of research done, the effects of pollution – PM 10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers) included – are devastating. By reducing emissions, we have the power to save lives and prevent debilitating illnesses. Saving lives should not be negotiable.

To underscore the impacts of air pollution, a study conducted by the California Air Resources Board found that PM 2.5 alone is responsible for 5,400 premature deaths in the South Coast Air basin, a four-county area in Southern California with an approximate population of 16 million people. These are people dying from the air they breathe.

With the advancement of technology and pollution control devices, there is no longer an excuse to keep functioning the way we have. Thousands of deaths attributed to air pollution is unacceptable. It is time for us to start cleaning up our act – which means it is imperative that companies, cities, states and nations comply with regulations and strive to reach emission reduction targets."