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

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The team used a combination of climate, air quality, and epidemiological models to assess future air pollution deaths in a changing climate under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP 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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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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EPA Proposes Transport Rule to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and DC; New Approach for Pollution Reduction

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The proposed Transport Rule sets in place a new approach that can and will be applied again as further pollution reductions are needed to help areas meet air quality health standards, EPA says. This proposal reduces emissions contributing to fine particle (PM 2.5 ) and ozone nonattainment that often travel across state lines.

Pollution 218
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Research shows clean fuel-use for ships off California coast extremely effective in reducing sulfur dioxide pollution

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Data collected during a major 2010 state-federal atmospheric research project show that the first-in-the-nation regulation requiring ocean-going vessels to use clean fuel when near the California coast has been extremely effective in reducing sulfur dioxide pollution from ships, according to the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

Pollution 186
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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. EPA’s current secondary standards for particle pollution are identical to the primary standards for PM 2.5 The 24-hour primary standard is designed to provide supplemental health protection against short-term fine particle exposures, particularly in areas with high peak PM 2.5

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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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