Earthjustice Action Celebrates Reintroduction of Public Health Air Quality Act

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and U.S. Representatives Troy Carter (D-La.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the Public Health Air Quality Act of 2025, a landmark bill that would strengthen the nation’s air quality monitoring infrastructure and give families and communities access to real-time data on toxic chemicals and other air pollution near their homes, schools, and playgrounds.   

The legislation responds to longstanding demand for comprehensive and transparent air monitoring for some of the most harmful chemicals and pollutants, especially in areas near industrial operations with high cancer risks and other health threats. Among other important improvements, it would expand monitoring networks; ensure states, local governments, Tribes, and communities can access air emissions information from polluting facilities; and require that agencies and polluters take steps to clean up the air when air quality becomes unsafe.  

2.8 million people live in known pollution hotspots without any air monitoring. Over 20 million more live in areas with inadequate air monitoring, and many counties across the U.S. lack any air monitoring at all. Air pollution is a threat to human health at all stages of life. Exposure to toxic chemicals and pollution in the air is especially harmful during pregnancy and for sensitive populations like children, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma.  

“Many communities breathing hazardous air have spent decades demanding stronger air monitoring and health protection they can count on,” said Earthjustice Action Senior Legislative Representative Liz Ruben. “Everyone has a right to know what’s in the air they breathe—and that information should be accurate and accessible. The tools exist to track air quality and protect people’s health, and we thank these Members of Congress for pushing this vital solution forward. We need Congress to listen to communities and put up-to-date tools to use so people across our country can breathe more freely.” 

Click here for a list of quotes from a number of the endorsing organizations.