MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

 

Not too long ago, the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report gave L.A. an F. Now, a poll by Public Policy Institute of California found that less than a quarter of Californians see air pollution as a major problem, despite the fact that more than a third of Californians either suffer from, or have immediate family members suffering from, asthma or other respiratory problems:

Along with the drop in people’s perception of pollution, we’re seeing a drop in people’s willingness to address enviro-concerns. “Two-thirds of Californians still support the state’s comprehensive global warming law, the first in the nation, but that’s significantly less than the 78% who endorsed it in 2007.”

 

In response to the poll results, the California League of Conservation Voters released its own statement reminding people that addressing enviro-concerns doesn’t mean hurting the economy: “Over the last 35 years, California’s energy efficiency laws have saved families $56 billion in savings and created 1.5 million jobs with a payroll of $45 billion. A strong economy and slowing climate change are compatible goals.”

 

In somewhat happier related news: We may soon see new financial incentives from the federal government for making homes energy efficient.