El Paso, Texas, residents are grappling with severe air pollution caused by idling vehicles at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing.
Benton Graham reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The Bridge of the Americas, a toll-free port in El Paso, attracts heavy commercial traffic, leading to high levels of air pollution in nearby communities.
- Residents, particularly in south-central El Paso, suffer from respiratory issues and are advocating for the removal of commercial vehicles from the bridge.
- The federal government plans to revamp the bridge, but locals fear this could worsen pollution and further neglect their health concerns.
Key quote:
“To dismiss the health of residents and prioritize [industry] is not acceptable.”
— Cemelli de Aztlan, community organizer with La Mujer Obrera
Why this matters:
This situation in El Paso highlights a broader national issue of environmental justice. The health impacts of air pollution, particularly in disadvantaged communities, underscore the need for balanced infrastructure development that prioritizes public health alongside commercial interests.
