She Grew Up Choking on Smog—Now She’s Taking on the EPA

My journey began in the Hollywood Hills, a picturesque region often shrouded in haze. As a young child, I struggled with asthma, clutching my inhaler tightly, as if it were a vital companion. The enchanting California sunlight, which enticed many, ultimately drove my family to seek refuge in Ohio for purer air. Nevertheless, the repercussions of pollution lingered. I quickly grasped the profound impact pollution has on people. The recent action by Administrator Lee Zeldin, revoking 31 essential pollution safeguards, raises significant alarm. This decision overlooks the necessity for clean air and water, thereby endangering historically marginalized communities. Transitioning from an opera singer to an educator in Washington, D.C., I found my voice through advocating for environmental justice. The escalating pollen levels, worsened by climate change, pose threats to our well-being, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Now is the time for action; our collective resolve is vital for sustainable progress. We merit a breathable future and must hold the EPA accountable.