CURED
CITIZENS UNITED for RESPONSIBLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
by CURED media release
January 22, 2009
Citizens United for Responsible Energy Development (CURED) is a recently formed non-profit. The organization was created to primarily address air, water, and human health issues related to energy development in the region. CURED is not opposed to gas development is Sublette County. However, health literature from around the world points to the potential adverse health effects from gas drilling and development.
Whereas the CLOUD group was focused on education, CURED will serve a broader role, including oversight and advocacy on behalf of citizens. Members believe the connection between grassroots issues and agencies, industry, the Wyoming statehouse, and the U.S. Capital can be strengthened by local organizations such as CURED.
Sublette County has been experiencing high levels of ground ozone during the winter months. The health risks of ozone are well documented, and CURED encourages all citizens to understand these risks associated with this colorless gas. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung capacity and aggravate asthma. Children, asthmatics, senior citizens and people who work or recreate outdoors are most at risk. In addition, the American Lung Association recognizes that some healthy people have health effects at lower levels of ozone exposure than the average person. Citizens also need to be aware that the precursors to ozone, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can cause respiratory problems and other health risks. CURED has hand-outs on ozone and other air pollutants, and is willing to provide these to individuals and/or organizations.
Recently members of CURED had the opportunity to discuss air pollution and health risks with Dr. Devra Davis an ecological epidemiologist and a world renowned researcher. Dr. Davis is Director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health. Her recent book, The Secret History of the War on Cancer, was a top pick by Newsweek, and her earlier book, When Smoke Ran Like Water, was honored as a National Book Award finalist. Dr. Davis shared her expertise and presented valuable information. She reiterated to the group the health risks associated with ozone, but she also emphasized the need for citizens to be concerned with health risks from other air pollutants, namely particulate matter.
CURED met with Dr. Robert Field regarding the Air Quality study the University of Wyoming will be conducting in Sublette County. Members of CURED have volunteered to assist with this study. Jennifer Frazier from the DEQ also met with CURED and provided information about the Air Toxics study as well as DEQ’s ozone monitoring. In addition, Jennifer informed CURED about off-site mitigation projects.
For further information contact Mary Lynn Worl, CURED Chair, 307-367-4309.
|
