For this research paper, I have chosen to discuss Louisiana's air quality and its effects on the community. I grew up here in Baker, Louisiana, north of Baton Rouge. As I grew up I noticed something very surprising and strange. We are excessively exposed to chemical plants and their products. Driving through Baton Rouge at night and seeing a distant flame I often wonder what it really was. I wonder how this affected the community. How has this affected our health? Doing some research, I found out that it's called upset emissions. Disturbed emissions are unplanned events that release VOCs into the air. The Bucket Brigade, an anti-energy group, characterizes the emissions as accidents. Each year they release an annual report that provides information on the air quality of the State of Louisiana. A group called Energize LA refuted the report. They argued that the Bucket Brigade's facts were inaccurate. The opinions of both will be explained in detail. For this research paper we will discuss the negative effects of emissions on communities and health. And also how it relates to previous class discussions about the Clean Air Act. Huge amounts of pollutants were released in the Bucket Brigade's annual report. It states that Louisiana refineries averaged six irregular emissions per week in 2012. There were over 327 irregular emissions in 2012. This number is down from 346 in 2011. They are working with industry insiders to be whistleblowers from within the oil industry and government agencies. They want people to become activists against the illegal behavior that is occurring. The Bucket Brigade contacted several refineries but only one responded. According to the list of major air pollution-related incidents in 2012 from Exxon Mob… mid-paper… November 13). Buket Brigade Annual Emissions Report. Retrieved from Energize LA: http://energizela.com/news/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-bucket-brigades-annual-emissions-report-in-one-quote/Air Quality Meter . (2013, November 11). Retrieved from Baton Rouge Clean Air Coalition: http://www.brcleanair.com/localinfohealth/Baton Rouge Clean Air Coalition. (2013, November 11). Retrieved from Health: http://www.brcleanair.com/localinfohealth/Brickey, K. F. (2008). Environmental crime. Austin: Aspen Publishers. Stephania A. Cornier, S. L. (2006). Origin and health impact of emissions of toxic by-products and fine particles resulting from the combustion and thermal treatment of hazardous waste. Environmental Health Perspectives, 810-817. Take Action. (2013, November 11). Retrieved from Baton Rouge Clean Air Coalition: http://www.brcleanair.com/localinfohealth/