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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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Study suggests future climate changes to worsen air quality for >85% of China’s population; ~20k+ additional deaths each year

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55% of land area) by the middle of the century, and would increase by 3% and 4% the population-weighted average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and ozone, respectively. and ozone exposure, respectively. and ozone in 2050 by factors of 1 and 3, respectively. C) and ozone (D) exposure are shown.

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EPA proposes retaining current NAAQS for particulate matter

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The current 24-hour standard was issued in 2006. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM 2.5 ) and coarse particles (PM 10 ). concentrations.

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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.

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EPA waives requirements for gasoline pump vapor recovery

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Since 2006, all new automobiles and light trucks (pickups, vans and SUVs) are equipped with ORVR systems. Gasoline vapors from refueling, if allowed to escape, can contribute significantly to ground-level ozone, sometimes called smog, as well as to other types of harmful air pollution.

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EPA proposes waiving Federal requirements for stations to capture gasoline vapors when vehicles refuel beginning in 2013

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systems in areas classified “Serious,” “Severe,” or “Extreme” for nonattainment of the ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). Since 2006, all new automobiles and light trucks (pickups, vans, and SUVs) are equipped with ORVR. The CAA requires states to implement Stage II gasoline vapor recovery.

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