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MONDAY February 23, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels January 23, 2004 Air quality must be protected at all costs By Pedro C. Bujosa Medford Having recently moved to the Rogue Valley just last June, I have become very troubled by the recent news that entails the easement of air quality standards here in the Rogue Valley. As a physician, father and new resident of this beautiful valley, I am appalled that this action is being strongly considered. You see, when I moved here I did so believing that the stringent air quality controls would continue to be enforced. Easing of these controls would jeopardize the quality of life and the health of many of this valley's residents. For example, my mother and daughter, who moved here from northern California, both have lung conditions which would deteriorate if the DEQ allowed the emission of more small particles into this atmosphere. As you know, the geography of this valley allows pollutants to be trapped here much more easily as they would be in a more flat, open area. This geographical phenomenon will concentrate even sparsely emitted particles, leading to the detriment to the quality of our air, and consequently, the lives of many people. You may also wish to consider the economic issues involved. A grand portion of the economy of this valley comes from the influx of new businesses, as well as our senior community. The elderly are consumers of services as well as of goods. Because of the temperate climate and wonderful cultural activities we have here, more and more elderly are moving here. By increasing the amount of pollutants in our air, the elderly will undoubtedly be affected to their detriment. More and more people with lung conditions will experience worsening of their asthmatic, allergic and chronic obstructive pulmonary conditions. Clearly, a large portion of our elderly and other affected individuals will move away to areas where air conditions are cleaner and healthier. In addition, this will slow the influx of new residents as well. Please strongly consider keeping these stringent standards in place for the Rogue Valley. This is a matter of our lives and our continued good health. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Site Search: A new improved archive search is coming! Look for it in mid-February! .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - ODOT Road Cams