"In ‘Cancer Alley,’ a Battle Over Who Gets to Measure Air Pollution" Article Reflection No. 138 (5/26/2025)

Reflection:

In the article “In ‘Cancer Alley,’ a Battle Over Who Gets to Measure Air Pollution,” journalist Hiroko Tabuchi discusses a new regulation in Louisiana limiting the source of data that can be used for lawsuits and efforts for the government to pass pollution law(s). The article discusses how some view this law as a threat to the right to free speech because the law is discouraging public discussion of data from the lower-cost pollution sensors such as PurpleAir. On the other hand, proponents, including supporters of industries, of this law claim that ensuring the use of the higher-cost air monitors—which cost nearly $60,000 in contrast to the approximately $300 price tag for the PurpleAir monitors—provide integrity in data. PurpleAir monitors have been used by the EPA. With this law, communities like St. James Parish which have reported high cancer rates are no longer able to use cheaper monitors or else receive a large fine.   

Especially with the huge gap in the costs I wonder what was the true intent behind this Louisiana law. I wish people in power would be more aware of the financial struggles of those who are not in power or in as privileged positions as them. I feel like that’s one of those things the world needs most right now---a stronger sense of empathy.