News

San Elizario adopts clean air ordinance

July 17, 2018

This June, the San Elizario Mayor and City Council Members voted unanimously to adopt a clean air ordinance, designed to reduce smoking rates in the City.

A Smoke Free Paso del Norte, an initiative of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, and the Clean Air Coalition worked together with community residents to advocate for this health-improving change. These efforts are part of a movement that over the past 17 years has made a lasting impact on regional smoking rates.

“We commend the leadership of San Elizario for their commitment to the health of their residents,” stated Tracy J. Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in our region. Clean air ordinances have proven effective in reducing smoking rates and, ultimately, incidence of lung disease.” San Elizario is the fourth city in the region to adopt a clean air ordinance, joining El Paso, Socorro and the Town of Anthony. Smoking rates have declined in the city of El Paso from 24% to 13% since the adoption of its Clean Air Ordinance 15 years ago.

Fewer than 100 cities in Texas having adopted a clean air ordinance. For more information on the A Smoke Free Paso del Norte, visit www.setyourdate.org.