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Rice/EPA study finds ground-level ozone falling faster than CMAQ model predicted

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Researchers from Rice University and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report in a paper in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry that particularly in Northeastern cities, ozone levels dropped even beyond what was anticipated by cutting emissions of NO x from 2002 to 2006. from 2002 to 2006. Earlier post.).

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Obama Administration withdraws proposed rulemaking on strengthened ozone standards

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In a statement released this morning, President Barack Obama said he has requested that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson withdraw the agency’s draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) rulemaking. Earlier post.) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

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MIT study finds air quality co-benefits of US carbon policies can significantly offset costs, depending upon the policy

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The human health benefits associated with improvements in air quality related to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions improvements can offset 26–1,050% of the cost of US carbon policies, depending upon the type of policy, according to a new study by a team from MIT. times the cost of implementing a cap-and-trade program.

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UN report projects that increasing use of HFCs likely to have a significant climate impact by 2050; equivalent to current total annual emissions from transport

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The decrease in CO 2 equivalent emissions of ODSs (ozone-depleting substances: CFCs, halons, HCFCs, and others) may be offset by the projected increase in their non-ozone depleting substitutes (HFCs) (lines designated as HFC scenarios). Climate and the Ozone Layer. Source: UNEP. Click to enlarge.

Climate 287
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EPA Proposes Transport Rule to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and DC; New Approach for Pollution Reduction

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This proposal reduces emissions contributing to fine particle (PM 2.5 ) and ozone nonattainment that often travel across state lines. SO 2 and NO x react in the atmosphere to form fine particle pollution and ground-level ozone (smog), which are linked to widespread illnesses and premature deaths. NO x emissions would drop by 52%.

Pollution 218
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Report argues advanced HD natural gas vehicles foundational for California to hit air and climate goals; near zero-emission potential

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Compared to the 2010 “Business as Usual” scenario—which includes all adopted emission control measures for the South Coast—NO x levels must be reduced by 65% and by 75% to meet the 2023 and 2032 ozone standards, respectively. An 80% reduction of GHG emissions is targeted for 2050, relative to 1990 levels.

Climate 257
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California ARB greenlights states GHG cap-and-trade program

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The program is designed to provide covered entities the flexibility to seek out and implement the lowest-cost options to reduce emissions. Each year, the total number of allowances issued in the state drops, requiring companies to find the most cost-effective and efficient approaches to reducing their emissions.