[cleanairuk_news] Quick online actions to keep air pollution monitoring in YOUR town/city (until end Fri. 13 Sept. 2013)

[Network for Clean Air]

Changes being proposed by Government could mean the end of air  
pollution monitoring in YOUR town or city (in England). A quick online  
action could make a difference.

There's two days left to let the Government know your views on its  
proposed changes to air quality/ air pollution monitoring in England.

(Action ends/consultation closes end of Friday 13 September.)

*QUICK ONLINE ACTION*

*1) You can read the text below and sign a on-line petition from 38 Degrees:*

Air quality consultation

The government is trying to push through damaging changes which remove
all responsibility for local authorities to measure air quality and
declare where it is a problem. If the government are successful, you
won?t be able to find out what the air quality is like in your local
area. Or hold local authorities to account if they?re at unsafe levels.

If enough of us respond to the consultation we can stop the government
from removing these crucial responsibilities from local authorities.
Can you take 2 min now to email in to the consultation?

Sign: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/air-quality-consultation

*2) Send a pre-prepared email via Biofuelwatch - very easy:*

Tell Defra: Cut air pollution, not air quality monitoring

Air pollution in the UK reduces average life expectancy by two years
and contributes to up to 200,000 early deaths every year, according to
a government advisory body.  Biomass expansion alone has been
predicted to cause the loss of up to 1.75 million life years by 2020,
according to a study commissioned by the last Government.  The Supreme
Court has confirmed that the Government is in breach of EU
requirements to reduce air pollution levels.

Now Defra has come up with a plan: Instead of reducing air pollution,
they want to cover it up by dismantling air quality monitoring and
reporting across England.

...

We therefore ask you to write to Defra today and let as many people as
possible know about this alert.  You can download the consultation
here.  Please personalise your message so that is has more impact.

Send email: http://www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/2013/defraalert/

*BACKGROUND INFORMATION*

Air pollution monitoring stations face closure as government looks to  
cut costs

(by Rob Edwards)

Campaigners accuse Defra of covering up pollution figures as it plans  
to close up to 600 stations in England to save money

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/aug/22/air-pollution-monitoring-stations-shut

*JOIN THIS LIST*

See: http://cleanairuk.org/mailman/listinfo/news_cleanairuk.org