article thumbnail

EPA Climate Change Adaptation Plan sees likely increase in tropospheric ozone, with more difficulty in attaining NAAQS in many areas

Green Car Congress

Among the many climate-related vulnerabilities that can impact its mission, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites a likely increase in tropospheric ozone pollution as potentially making it more difficult to attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards ( NAAQS ) in many areas with existing ozone problems.

article thumbnail

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

Green Car Congress

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulations employing the “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act to reduce interstate transport of upwind state emissions from power generation that contribute to air quality problems in downwind states. States covered by the proposed Transport Rule. Click to enlarge.

Pollution 218
article thumbnail

EPA Administrator Outlines Seven Key Themes for Agency in 2010 and Beyond

Green Car Congress

Lisa P Jackson, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, issued a public memo to EPA employees detaling “ seven key themes to focus the work of our agency ” in 2010 and beyond. Protecting America’s Waters. The seven themes are: Taking Action on Climate Change. Improving Air Quality. Cleaning Up Communities.

EPA 170
article thumbnail

EPA says methane emissions from natural gas production have dropped 36% from 2007-2011

Green Car Congress

In its recently released Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 – 2011 ( earlier post ), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that methane (CH 4 ) emissions from the field production of natural gas have declined by 36% from 2007 to 2011 (from 83.1 a global warming potential of 21. Tg CO 2 eq) in 2011.

2007 285
article thumbnail

Researchers Discover New Chemistry for Ozone Formation; Not Yet Monitored or Incorporated into Atmospheric Models

Green Car Congress

A) shows the base case peak concentrations for O 3 (ozone), ClNO and HCl in parts-per-billion by volume (ppbv). (B) Under extreme circumstances, this previously unknown chemistry could account for up to 40 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone; the current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 8-hour average standard is 75 ppb.

Ozone 150
article thumbnail

CU Boulder study: routine household activities generate air quality on par with major polluted city

Green Car Congress

Furthermore, airborne chemicals that originate inside a house don’t stay there: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products such as shampoo, perfume and cleaning solutions eventually escape outside and contribute to ozone and fine particle formation, making up an even greater source of global atmospheric air pollution than cars and trucks do.

Pollution 207
article thumbnail

EPA Issues Proposed Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases; Proposed Cause or Contribute Finding Identifies Motor Vehicles as Contributing Source

Green Car Congress

After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the US Supreme Court, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal with two distinct findings regarding greenhouse gases. Before taking any steps to reduce greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, EPA would conduct an appropriate process and consider stakeholder input.

EPA 150