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Study finds global emissions of several banned ozone-destroying CFCs are increasing

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New analysis has found increasing emissions of several ozone-depleting chemicals despite their production being banned for most uses under the Montreal Protocol—and a loophole in the rules is likely responsible. According to the researchers, emissions from these CFCs currently do not significantly threaten ozone recovery.

Ozone 353
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EPA initiates new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA established the current standards at a level of 70 parts per billion in 2015 and retained them in 2020, after concluding that there was little new information to suggest the need for revision.

Ozone 150
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Studies find global COVID-19 lockdowns have significantly reduced PM2.5 and NO2 pollution, but ozone up

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Levels of two major air pollutants have been reduced significantly since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a secondary pollutant—ground-level ozone—has increased in China, according to new research. Ozone is harmful to humans at ground-level, causing pulmonary and heart disease. —Guy Brasseur.

Ozone 291
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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 New Tougher Ground-Level Ozone Standards

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Counties projected to violate proposed Primary 8-hour Ground-Level Ozone Standards in 2020. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the strictest standards to date for ground-level ozone. EPA is proposing an accelerated schedule for designating areas for the primary ozone standard. Source: EPA.

Ozone 186
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US Climate Action Report to UN Projects 4% Growth in Total US GHG Emissions to 2020

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From 2005 through 2020, total US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are projected to rise by 4% under a “with measures” scenario (but without a cap-and-trade program and other complementary policies), from 7,109 Tg CO 2 Eq. from 2005 to 2020. to 7,416 Tg CO 2 Eq., to 7,416 Tg CO 2 Eq., to 1,853 Tg CO 2 Eq. 5,813 Tg CO 2 Eq. 332 Tg CO 2 Eq.

Climate 199
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Emissions of potent GHG HFC-23 have grown, contradicting reports of huge reductions

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That the reduction has not materialized—and that global emissions have instead risen—is a puzzle, and may have implications for the Montreal Protocol, the international treaty that was designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. This is not the first time that HFC-23 reduction measures attracted controversy. Resources.

Emissions 199