For the past 27 years the American Lung Association (ALA) has released an annual “State of Our Air” report. The report serves as “a national air quality report card that grades U.S. counties and ranks cities based on levels of ozone and particle pollution.” Stunningly, at a time when federal environmental health protections are being rolled back, the 2026 report found that 120 million people in the U.S. live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and nearly half of children in the U.S. live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. How does unhealthy air quality impact our children and the most vulnerable in our nation?
In this very informative online conversation, staff from the American Lung Association and from the Environmental Justice Program of the Diocese of Stockton:
- Summarize the 2026 ALA report’s key findings
- Lift advocacy opportunities and recommendations for action
- Provide an example of how U.S. Catholics can respond to the impacts of air pollution in our communities
Panelists: (Longer bios available here)
- Diana Van Vleet, Director of Nationwide Clean Air Advocacy, American Lung Association
- Kevin M. Stewart, Director of Environmental Health, Advocacy and Public Policy, American Lung Association
- Benjamin Lu, Clean Air Advocacy Manager, American Lung Association’s California branch
- Ector Olivares, Program Manager, Environmental Justice Program, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Stockton