Clear Shenandoah's Air

Pollution mars the park's Blue Ridge vistas

Shenandoah National Park — with its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains — is an essential part of Virginia's natural heritage and a refuge from the Beltway's clamor. Unforunately, air pollution plagues the park, obscuring some of its most iconic views with dingy haze and posing health risks to the 1.5 million people who visit every year.

We finally have an opportunity to change that.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering reducing the amount of smog and soot allowed by law in and around Shenandoah. But big power plants and other major sources of this pollution, along with their allies in Congress, are launching a massive push to prevent the EPA from imposing stricter pollution limits.

We're working to set and enforce new rules to ease the pollution at Shenandoah.

Nearby coal plants pollute the park

Often, air pollution in Shenandoah can exceed levels deemed safe by the American Lung Association. The biggest culprits are the dozens of coal-fired power plants upwind of the park. And, with eight new facilities proposed in the park's vicinity, even more are likely on their way.

To save the views from Shenandoah, we need the EPA to reduce the amount of smog and haze allowed in the air and reduce the pollution coming from coal-fired power plants and other sources.

With your help, we can save 25,000 lives

Recently, the EPA moved ahead with efforts to significantly reduce mercury, soot and smog pollution, announcing new emissions standards that could save 25,000 lives a year.

We’re working closely with our allies in the public health community, lobbying key senators, and rallying thousands of activists stand up for public health.

It won’t be easy, but if enough of us speak out, we can drown out the coal industry lobbyists and make sure that the EPA acts to protect public health.

Click here to join our campaign.