Attacks on community air monitoring in West Virginia threaten our democracy

West Virginia Watch – Community air monitoring is democracy at work. Over the past year and a half, I have installed air quality sensors on people’s homes, private businesses, community centers and government buildings. This work transcends several communities and organizations and is an effort of many West Virginians who believe in the power of science, transparency and community. 

Democratizing access to air quality data is the primary goal of community air monitoring efforts in West Virginia. Everyone should know the condition of the air they breathe. And, above all, every West Virginian should have access to clean air. Unfortunately, this is not the case for every person in our state. 

Read Morgan’s full commentary here

If those in power do not want you to know the quality of the air you breathe, then it’s worth questioning why. And, if those in power do not want you to be able to ask that question to their face, then it’s worth resisting in unconventional ways. One way to fight back is to install your own air quality sensor or get in contact and let me help you install one at your home or business. Community science initiatives can and will build collective power. After all, as much as those in power may try, they can’t take the truth or scientific fact away from us.