
Air pollution causes major environmental health problems in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by pipelines, mines, waste incinerators, and other polluting industries that poison the air and water.
Indigenous adults and children have higher rates of many diseases linked to air pollution exposure, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). An emerging air quality threat for Indigenous people is climate change. Wildfires are an increasing concern to air quality. As the climate changes, hotter temperatures and drier conditions can trigger catastrophic wildfires on and near Tribal lands.
Climate change poses particular threats to ways of life and health of Indigenous families in every region of the US. Climate change is contributing to the loss of Indigenous cultures and Indigenous knowledge systems, and it is forcing the relocation of Indigenous communities.

A Report from the National Tribal Air Association and Moms Clean Air Force
In April 2021, The National Tribal Air Association and Moms Clean Air Force released Indigenous People and Air Pollution — a report detailing the harm that air pollution and climate change cause to Indigenous communities and Tribal lands in the United States.

At least 200
methane or coal
power plants are within
50 miles of tribal lands

13 PERCENT
of Indigenous children have
asthma — a much higher rate
than other American children

Indigenous
adults and children have
higher rates of many diseases
linked to air pollution exposure
Indigenous Resources

Indigenous People and Air Pollution in the United States

Testimony: Shaina Oliver, EPA’s Proposed Methane Rulemaking, December 1, 2021

Native American Heritage Month Series: Rachel Heaton

Native American Heritage Month Series: Clarene Davis

Native American Heritage Month Series: Shaina Oliver

Congress: Go Bold for a Healthier Future
Indigenous Stories

Indigenous Communities Left Out of Clean Air Wins

Moms Join Fight for Environmental Justice and Win Against Corporate Polluter

Indigenous-led Renewable Energy Gives Tribes Hope to Mitigate Climate Change

Moms Make News: C'mon, Congress, Cut Climate Pollution!

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EPA Mapping Tool: Power Plants and Neighboring Communities

Great Grandmother Mary Lyons: "We Are Here to Protect. Water Is Life."
