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Study associates long-term exposure to air pollution with increasing emphysema

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Long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants, especially O 3 (ozone), is significantly associated with increasing emphysema, according to a new study led by the University of Washington, Columbia University and the University at Buffalo. The annual averages of ozone levels in study areas were between about 10 and 25 ppb.

Pollution 223
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Study quantifies impact of oil and gas emissions on Denver’s ozone problem

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The first peer-reviewed study to directly quantify how emissions from oil and natural gas (O&NG) activities influence summertime tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) pollution in the Colorado Front Range confirms that chemical vapors from oil and gas activities are a significant contributor to the region’s chronic ozone problem.

Ozone 150
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UMD-led study finds China’s SO2 emissions down 75% since 2007, India’s up 50%; India may now be the top SO2 emitter

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Although China and India remain the world’s largest consumers of coal, a new University of Maryland-led study found that China’s sulfur dioxide emissions fell by 75% since 2007, while India’s emissions increased by 50%. Sulfur dioxide is an air pollutant that causes acid rain, haze and many health-related problems.

India 170
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Study finds power law scaling relationship between urban population and NO2 pollution

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The approximate linear relationship for each region is notable, suggesting that the dependence of urban NO 2 pollution upon population follows a power law scaling with population. Even though larger cities are typically more energy efficient with lower per-capita emissions, more people still translates to more pollution.)

Pollution 261
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EPA, NHTSA issue One National Program Rule; EPA withdraws CA waiver for GHG and fuel economy

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criteria pollutants—is not affected by the action. The California waiver authority exists because California has uniquely difficult problems with ozone-forming pollutants. The California waiver authority does not exist to allow California to address national and global issues such as climate change.

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EPA issues ANPR on Clean Trucks Initiative, seeking input from public and stakeholders

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The eventual CTI rulemaking will establish new, more stringent emission standards for NO x and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines. From 2007 to 2017, US NO x emissions dropped by more than 40%. The US EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI).

EPA 150
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NASA satellite images highlight US air quality improvement with reduction of NO2

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New NASA satellite images released this week demonstrate the reduction of air pollution across the US. After ten years in orbit, the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite has been in orbit sufficiently long to show that people in major US cities are breathing less nitrogen dioxide.

Ozone 210