In Chicago, tired of truck pollution and counting traffic

This coverage is brought to you through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit organization focused on environmental media. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to receive reliable local news. Recently, Paulina Vaca and José Miguel Acosta Córdova monitored heavy truck traffic at a busy Chicago intersection, finding over 5,100 trucks in Archer Heights in just a day. This data prompts questions about the impact of extensive truck traffic on communities. Frontline groups across the U.S. are gathering localized air pollution data to empower residents and advocate for cleaner air. Currently, Illinois faces significant health challenges due to diesel engine pollution, with efforts underway to adopt more stringent truck regulations and transition to zero-emission vehicles. The region could save lives and billions annually by electrifying a portion of its vehicles. The recent federal emissions standards for heavy vehicles aim to reduce pollution significantly, but more action is needed to combat the climate crisis. Efforts for more data collection and a transition to zero-emission trucks are essential for long-term environmental health.