Grand Valley inversion. Photo by Susan Justice

You are invited to attend a panel discussion on air quality in the Grand Valley, including information on current conditions, the future of citizen-based air pollution monitors, health effects of air pollution, and area rules and regulations on woodstove and open burning.

What’s in our Air? What We’re Breathing and Why It Matters will be held on Monday, September 22 at 7:00 pm at Whitman Hall (248 S. 4th St) in Grand Junction.

A follow-up to last year’s successful public forum, attendees will learn from local and regional experts what we’re breathing and why it matters to our economy, our kids and our environment.

The eye-opening event, moderated by Teresa Coons, Executive Director of the Math & Science Center and former member of the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, features the following panelists:

• Bennett Boeschenstein, City of Grand Junction Council Member:  Open burning regulations, woodstove burning, and air quality relative to the city’s comprehensive plan
• Gordon Pierce, Colorado Air Pollution Control Division:  With the most recent information on Grand Valley air quality; how it is measured; how close we may be to being labeled an EPA “non-attainment” community; and how we can respond during a polluted inversion event
• Kenneth Scissors, M.D., Grand Junction VA Medical Center:  Air pollution effects on human health & methods used to evaluate studies that make public health recommendations.
• Carolyn Hoagland, entrepreneur and CSU PhD candidate:  On the emerging field of citizen-based air quality monitors.

The event and parking are free, and is sponsored by: Citizens for Clean Air, League of Women Voters of Mesa County and Alpine Bank.

For more information, contact Karen Sjoberg at 970-242-1054 or 970-628-4699.