Demand the Implementation of Stricter Smog Standards in California

California's smog is the worst in America — it's so bad, in fact, that experts estimate it will take more than two decades to clean the air. But we don't have that kind of time. Californians need quick action.

On October 1, 2015, the federal government mandated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopt new smog limits nationwide. But because California is so polluted, the state is being given 12 extra years to meet these new federal standards. We can't wait that long.

We need our elected officials to do more than just follow the letter of the law — we need them to stand up for us right now.

Nearly one-third of Californians live in communities with pollution that exceeds federal standards. In 2014, California's average smog level was 110 parts per billion, while the new federal limit is 70 parts per billion. And new research has found that California's most vulnerable, lower-income neighborhoods face the highest emission levels, putting them most at-risk. Each day that pollution remains this high, Californians remain in jeopardy.

Ozone, a lung-damaging component of smog, is linked to serious health consequences, including higher rates of bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Children, seniors and asthmatics are most severely affected, and they need your voice.

Tell your elected officials to implement the new, federally-mandated smog standards now. Californians deserve better.