Fact Check: Pollution is better in blue states

Fact Check: "Pollution is better in blue states"

What We Know

The claim that "pollution is better in blue states" can be evaluated through various metrics related to air quality and environmental health. According to the U.S. News & World Report, blue states, which are typically those that voted for Democratic candidates, tend to perform better in health care and environmental categories. Specifically, the report indicates that states won by Kamala Harris in the 2024 election rank higher in the environment category, which includes assessments of pollution levels and drinking water quality.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial measure of air quality, with lower values indicating cleaner air. States like Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington rank among the best for air quality, with Hawaii having an AQI of 21.2, well within the "good" range. Conversely, many of the states with the worst air quality, such as Louisiana and Texas, are states that voted for Trump in the same election.

Furthermore, a report by the American Lung Association highlights that a significant portion of the U.S. population is exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, with certain areas in blue states showing better air quality metrics compared to their red counterparts.

Analysis

The evidence suggests a trend where blue states generally have better air quality metrics than red states. The U.S. News report indicates that blue states dominate in health care and environmental rankings, which aligns with the findings from the World Population Review regarding AQI scores. The median ranking for states won by Harris in environmental quality is 15th, while for Trump-won states, it is 32nd, indicating a substantial difference in pollution levels.

However, it is essential to consider the reliability of these sources. The U.S. News & World Report is a reputable publication known for its rankings and analysis, while the American Lung Association is a credible health organization focused on lung health and air quality. The World Population Review provides data-driven insights but may not always be as rigorously peer-reviewed as academic sources.

Despite the overall trend favoring blue states, it is important to note that not all blue states are pollution-free, and some red states have made significant strides in improving their air quality. For example, states like Idaho and South Dakota, which voted for Trump, also rank well in environmental categories, indicating that the relationship between political affiliation and pollution is not absolute.

Conclusion

The claim that "pollution is better in blue states" is Partially True. While evidence supports the notion that blue states generally have better air quality and environmental health metrics compared to red states, this does not imply that all blue states are free from pollution issues. Additionally, some red states perform well in certain environmental aspects, complicating the narrative. Therefore, while a trend exists, it is not universally applicable across all states.

Sources

1. Our Nation's Air 2024
2. These Divided States: Are Red States or Blue States Better?
3. Air Quality by State 2025 - World Population Review
4. New Report: Nearly Half of People in U.S. Exposed to ...
5. Carbon Emissions - Red States and Blue States
6. Map Reveals States With Most Polluted Air in America
7. Red States vs. Blue States: Which Are More Eco-Friendly?
8. Red and blue states have big climate plans. The election ...