EPA works with Atlanta School on Increasing Environmental Awareness

By Shomial Ahmad

Atlanta, GA – The Environmental Protection Agency is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Agency officials talked at an Atlanta school on how environmental issues affect students' daily lives. WABE's Shomial Ahmad reports.

To a packed audience at the Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy, EPA administrator Lisa Jackson talked about the progress the agency has made in the last 40 years in reducing air and water pollution. Jackson explained to the students how air pollution is a health concern.

"One of the main triggers for asthma is air pollution. Unfortunately another main trigger is diesel pollution the soot and smoke and tiny particles that come out of school buses that you can't see is not good for you."

Jackson recognized Atlanta for not letting buses idle in front of schools. Mayor Kasim Reed was also at the school. He says the city has also increased its commitment to sustainability.

"The city has already made significant progress in terms of water reduction. Our water conservation efforts have cut the city's use of water by 20 percent."

The mayor also says a new flag program at the school will increase students' awareness of air quality. The academy will raise a different colored flag daily to indicate Atlanta's air quality.