Hudson Valley air quality Coalition (HVAQ)
Started in 2021, HVAQ is a group of professionals, scientists, and concerned Hudson Valley community members focused on ensuring equal access for all people to the fundamental right to breathe clean air. As a coalition, its members recognize the inarguable connections between clean outdoor air and clean indoor air within homes, schools, places of worship, community centers, and workplaces. Using common science, common sense, and the power of common people working together to make change, HVAQ is focused on both immediate and long-term assessment, remediation, and maintenance of pollution-free air in Hudson Valley communities, from the ground up.
Although the Hudson Valley is known by some for its pristine upstate recreation and air quality, poor indoor and outdoor air quality pose a health risk to local residents on a regular basis, especially those in Environmental Justice Zones or in local subsidized or emergency housing. Under the newly voted in NYS Constitutional Amendment Proposal 2 on Environmental Rights, a “Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment” is a human right. It is important to shed light on localized air quality issues and the stories of community members who battle with poor air quality, as well as educate others who may be in a position to change these circumstances.
Join us in support of community leaders and elected leadership to assure access to and maintenance of good air quality in the Hudson Valley by abiding by existing and future legislation pertaining to indoor and outdoor air quality:
NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Law
- Part 215: Open Fires
City of Kingston Anti-Pollution Laws
- 135-1: Supervision & Enforcement
- 135-4: Emissions of Injurious Quantities of Certain Materials Prohibited
- 135-7: Obstruction and Interference with Inspection Forbidden
- 135-8: Penalties for Offenses
Digital Resources
Case Study on LMI Rental Housing in Kingston, NY
Mold in Rentals: Landlord Liability, Responsibility, and Prevention
Presentation: The Harmful Effects of Woodsmoke
What are the Air Quality Standards for PM? | US EPA
Residential Wood Burning | Lung.org
Wood Smoke and Your Health | US EPA
Radio Kingston
Founding Members
- Lorraine Farina [email protected]
- Ana Texeira [email protected]
- Judith Karpova [email protected]
- Desiree Lyle [email protected]
- Eli Dueker [email protected]
how do i get involved?
Attend a Healthy Air Forum Meeting!
In an effort to further foster community conversation around the topic of air quality, HVAQ has planned to host a Healthy Air Forum. This is a monthly meeting with a public forum section open to community members as well as political figures or guest speakers meant to act as a platform for people to ask for help, share their story, learn, or educate others.
Upcoming Healthy Air Forum Meeting:
6/28, 5:30pm – 6:30pm