During a recent government meeting, community leaders and residents voiced urgent concerns regarding air quality and public health in the Mon Valley, particularly affecting low-income and communities of color. Advocates emphasized the need for increased funding for the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) to enhance its air quality monitoring and enforcement capabilities.

One speaker, Johnny Perryman, a resident of Clarington and vice president of Valley For Clean Air Now (VCAN), highlighted the organization's efforts in distributing over 1,000 air purifiers to combat air pollution, which he noted is linked to a significant percentage of cancer deaths. Perryman called for additional initiatives to support outdoor air quality, including the establishment of a cooperative greenhouse to provide healthy food options and promote community health.

David Levdansky, a township supervisor and lifelong Mon Valley resident, reinforced the importance of adequate funding for the ACHD's air program. He argued that increasing permit fees would allow the department to hire more qualified staff, ensuring compliance with the Clean Air Act and effective enforcement of air quality regulations. Levdansky clarified that these fees would be borne by permit applicants, not taxpayers, countering misconceptions about the financial implications of the proposed changes.

The discussions underscored a collective call for action to improve air quality and public health in the region, with community members urging local government to support initiatives that directly benefit residents' well-being.