IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

BREATHE A LITTLE EASIER BY HELPING CLEAR THE AIR

Charlotte, N.C., April 20, 2007-—With ozone season officially beginning May 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates one out of every three people is at high risk of experiencing problems from ground-level ozone. Senior citizens, children, people with respiratory illnesses and those who exercise outdoors are especially at risk.
Here in Mecklenburg County, approximately 130,000 residents suffer from asthma each year.  

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) wants residents to know what you can do to help make the air easier to breathe for your family, friends and neighbors.  Join Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman Jennifer Roberts, CATS' Chief Executive Officer Ron Tober, Dr. David Roe, Pulmonologist at Presbyterian Healthcare and Captain Clean Air Tuesday, April 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Wachovia Plaza, located at 301 South Tryon Street, to help kick off the summer-long "Clear the Air" campaign, an educational program on heightening the public's awareness of harmful ozone. After the kickoff, CATS will have transit information on hand as well as surprise live entertainment. (See the list below for more events)

"Air pollution claims 70,000 lives each year in the United States.  That's nearly twice the number killed in this country from car accidents each year," said Jennifer Roberts, current Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Commission "We need everyone in the Charlotte region to do their part in cleaning up the air so our families and friends can live healthy, productive lives," Roberts said.

Ozone levels are at the worst during the months of May through September.  Ozone is a highly reactive gas that is formed when sunlight mixes with fuel emissions, creating breathing difficulties for children, senior citizens, people with asthma and other respiratory problems.

Studies show that public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide per passenger mile than private vehicles.  Riding public transportation also produces about half as much carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, all of which contribute to air pollution.

"CATS recognizes the air quality and public health issues that face the region and is looking to do its part in reducing emissions," said Ron Tober, Chief Executive Officer for CATS.  "All of CATS buses use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel which alone reduces the soot in diesel exhaust by up to 20 percent. Currently 17 CATS buses also particulate traps, which helps reduce harmful emissions by up to 90 percent," Tober said.  CATS plans on having 73 buses with particulate traps by the end of summer.  Diesel particulate filters are an emissions control technology that removes particulate matter from diesel exhaust by physical filtration.

Events surrounding CATS "Clear the Air" campaign will encourage commuters to take an active part in improving their air quality by riding CATS' buses, vanpools and carpools. People are also urged to walk or bike instead of driving their cars during the hot summer months.

In fact, bike riders who utilize the bike racks on the front of CATS' buses can ride for free May 6 – 12.  Other actions residents can take to improve air quality include conserving electricity, mowing your grass after 6 p.m., using water-based cleaners and paints and walking to lunch or a nearby restaurant.

2007 CATS Clear the Air Campaign
Schedule of Events

Bikers Ride Free Aboard CATS' Buses   May 6 – 12
 
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
^      Clear the Air Kickoff
^       Two Wachovia Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St.
^       11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
^       Jennifer Roberts, Chairman of Mecklenburg County Commission 
^       Ron Tober, CATS' Chief Executive Officer
^       Dr. David Roe, Pulmonologist, Presbyterian Healthcare
^       Captain Clean Air

Tuesday, May 8, 2007
^       Clear the Air Transportation Fair
^       Wachovia CIC 3AC Conference Center, W.T. Harris Blvd.
^       11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
^       Captain Clean Air
*      (Employees Only)

Thursday, May 17, 2007
^       Clear the Air Transportation Fair
^       Bank of America Corporate Center, Founders Hall, 100 North Tryon St.
^       11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

* Events open to employees only

To learn more about CATS and its services, please call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.