Progress in Air Quality 
Over the past decade, Jersey City has made commendable strides in reducing air pollution. Since peaking in 2013, sulfur dioxide levels have decreased significantly, and carbon monoxide concentrations have shown similar downward trends since the 1990s. However, these improvements have not been uniformly experienced across all neighborhoods. Communities like Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette continue to grapple with persistent environmental challenges that threaten residents' health and quality of life.​

Historical Industrial Zoning and Its Lasting Impact
In the early 20th century, Jersey City's rapid industrialization led to the designation of areas like Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette as industrial zones. These neighborhoods, home to predominantly African American and Hispanic populations seeking affordable housing and employment, became sites for factories, warehouses, and transportation hubs. The proximity of these industrial activities to residential areas resulted in increased exposure to pollutants, laying the groundwork for ongoing environmental and health issues.​

Port and Traffic-Related Pollution
The Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette neighborhoods are situated near major transportation corridors and port facilities, including the Greenville Yards and the Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal. These areas experience heavy truck traffic, particularly along Routes 1 & 9 and the New Jersey Turnpike, which are major conduits for freight movement. The constant flow of diesel-powered vehicles contributes to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5), exacerbating air quality issues in these communities.​HCNJ

Environmental Degradation and Health Concerns
The decline of manufacturing left behind vacant warehouses and contaminated sites in these neighborhoods. Soil and water contamination from past industrial activities continue to pose risks. Air quality remains a pressing concern; real-time data indicates that while PM2.5 levels in Jersey City average around 4.1 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide levels are notably high at 75.2 µg/m³, primarily due to traffic and industrial emissions. These pollutants are linked to respiratory issues and other health problems, disproportionately affecting residents in these communities.​

The Struggle for Green Spaces
Access to green spaces is limited in Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and reducing opportunities for recreation and community gathering. Efforts to revitalize areas like Liberty State Park have been ongoing, but challenges persist due to historical contamination and underinvestment.​

What Has Been Done
Recognizing these disparities, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $465,250 grant to Jersey City for a three-year air quality monitoring initiative targeting Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette. This program aims to collect data on pollution levels and assess health impacts, providing a foundation for informed policy decisions. However, monitoring alone is insufficient without concrete actions to address the root causes of pollution and environmental neglect.​

What You Can Do
Your voice matters. Here's how you can contribute to environmental justice in Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette:

• Sign this petition to urge local and state officials to implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions and traffic in these neighborhoods.
• Support the creation of truck-free zones to reduce air pollution and improve safety.
• Advocate for the expansion of green spaces and the cleanup of contaminated sites to enhance community well-being.
• Participate in community meetings and initiatives focused on environmental health and equity.
• Share this information with others to raise awareness and build collective action.
• Together, we can work towards a healthier, more equitable Jersey City for all residents.