Neighbors for Clean Air

The Breathe Oregon webinar featured three presentations on community air monitoring projects, showcasing Portland State University's diesel emissions research, the Blueprint Foundation's community-centered scientist training program, and DEQ's new Community Air Action Planning pilot that aims to shift regulatory approaches to be more community-driven.

A webinar hosted by Breathe Oregon on a LUBA (Land Use Board of Appeals) appeal challenging Portland's approval of a Prologis warehouse distribution center near Parkrose High School. Community groups argue the city failed to properly analyze off-site impacts like noise, vibration, and odor when issuing the building permit, representing environmental justice concerns for a historically marginalized community.

Micah from Neighbors for Clean Air demonstrates how to install PurpleAir monitors to track diesel pollution in Portland neighborhoods. The video shows the installation process and discusses how Multnomah County ranks in the top five for diesel pollution among U.S. counties.

This presentation explores urban mapping tools for climate and air quality data, featuring three speakers who discuss digital mapping platforms for tracking diesel emissions, construction impacts, and transportation equity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of purpose, process, and data justice when creating and implementing these environmental mapping tools.

Ashia shares her personal story of struggling with asthma attacks from childhood through adulthood, directly linked to diesel emissions from construction equipment near her Portland home. Despite legislative attempts and health mandates spanning over a decade, Oregon repeatedly failed to reduce diesel emissions, with industry lobbying blocking meaningful action.