california

Excessive levels of ozone and other air pollutants are costly in many ways, not just to human health. Beyond the direct health care costs resulting from complications, air pollution also imposes substantial burden on public and private health insurers.

Problems facing Latinos and African-American men continue to represent a nationwide social challenge. Sustained disparities in socioeconomic well-being across race and ethnicity imply that efforts must be undertaken to bridge the inequality.

The U.S. Constitution automatically grants citizenship to those born in the United States whatever the status of their parents. Tensions surrounding immigration have increased over the last decade, however, leading to suggestions that rescinding the automatic right to citizenship would discourage unauthorized immigration.

Obesity presents serious health risks at all ages, but is particularly worrisome in children and youth. In addition to having a greater chance of becoming obese in adulthood, obese children and adolescents are also more likely to contract cardiovascular diseases compared to their peers.

High-occupancy vehicle lanes are intended to both speed traffic and improve air quality. This is done by dedicating a lane to cars with two or more occupants, thus reducing the number of vehicles traveling on the road. This both speeds traffic flows and reduces pollution. Some have argued, however, that if underutilized, such lanes can create congestion.

Once part of the urban fabric of the United States, streetcars declined as the automobile rose during the 1930s and 1940s. In the last several decades, however, streetcars have returned to popularity — more than 40 new systems are in planning, construction or operation.