Air Quality

Louisville, Kentucky

The Penalty for Fourth of July Fireworks: A Spike in Air Pollution

It's not just the ears of dogs that suffer the consequences of the nation's loudest celebration—it's also our lungs. Louisville provides the proof.

July 8, 2017 - Courier-Journal

When Environmental Goals Collide

Using the movie titled "When Worlds Collide" as a metaphor, environmental attorney Richard Opper describes how environmental regulations can get in their own way to defeat density and infill development—and NIMBYs are not just residents.

April 25, 2017 - UrbDeZine

Air Quality and Environmental Justice Lead to Push for Zero-Emission Locomotives

The California Air Resources Board has petitioned the U.S. EPA to adopt more stringent emissions standards for locomotives in order to improve air quality at rail yards, many of which are located adjacent to disadvantaged communities.

April 23, 2017 - RailwayAge

London Mayor: Cars Shouldn't Be Allowed Near Schools

The mayor of London thinks ignoring the dangers of pollution from cars today is just as bad as ignoring the dangers of smoking was 50 years ago.

March 22, 2017 - Evening Standard

London Heathrow Airport

The London Subway Is Bad for Commuters' Lungs

A new study from the University of Surrey produced counterintuitive results about the relative pollution levels of commuters around London.

February 20, 2017 - CityLab

California State Senate Reacts Quickly to Air Management Board Shakeup

New Republican majority of SCAQMD voted to adopt oil industry-backed emissions rules on refineries and other major pollution sources

March 10, 2016 - Los Angeles Times

Cars Traffic

How Schools Can Address Idling Cars

Schools can do more to reduce the environmental threat posed by idling cars during drop-off or pick-up. School districts could also improve their buses with that aim in mind.

February 29, 2016 - Streetsblog USA

Air Pollution Forces Italian Cities to Enact Serious Driving Restrictions

Unusually mild and dry weather in much of Italy has worsened air quality so much that city governments are acting to reduce emissions from one of the chief sources of air pollution by enacting odd-even license restrictions on driving.

December 29, 2015 - The New York Times - Europe

Madrid Street 2

Madrid Takes Drastic Action to Curb Pollution

With a growing reputation for heavy local pollution, the city of Madrid will impose reduced speed limits and driving restrictions in its central core. On bad days, transit will be free to ride.

November 12, 2015 - CityLab

San Antonio Ramps Up Air Quality Efforts After Poor Showing

San Antonio's soon-to-be-adopted air quality plan will focus on transportation to reduce the city's air pollution.

July 25, 2015 - San Antonio Express-News

Ça c'est Paris

Today in Paris: Half of the Private Cars in the City Banned from the Road

Paris today made its first use of a drastic plan to improve air quality in the city: ban half of the cars on the road. The ban could continue tomorrow if the current air pollution alert does not improve.

March 23, 2015 - The Independent

Report: San Francisco's City Parks Worth $959 Million

The Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence released a report placing the value of San Francisco's park system at $959 million.

January 7, 2015 - City Parks Blog

Personal Air Quality Sensors Compare Pollution Levels

Ben Schiller reports on two new air quality sensors that show you pollution comparisons of the air you are breathing right now.

June 15, 2014 - FastCompany Exist

Texas Outpaces California in Promoting Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

In the state of Big Oil, all types of electric cars, propane, and natural gas fueled vehicles qualify for a $2,500 cash incentive, thanks to a bill passed last year that broadens the current alternative-fueled truck program to light duty vehicles.

May 17, 2014 - Fuel Fix

Bakersfield and Fresno Sign

Urban Planning for Public Health in California’s San Joaquin Valley

The American Lung Association is making an “urban planning push” in three San Joaquin Valley counties, according to a recent article in Associations Now. The idea behind the efforts to reduce public health risks: promote walkable communities.

April 17, 2014 - Associations Now

Paris Skyline

Cleaner Air In Paris? There Will Be an App for That

Cars, smartphones, and Paris’ air quality crisis.

March 18, 2014 - Scott Le Vine

Making the Case for Speeding

Not everyone likes the idea of slowing down, but sometimes advocacy for increased speed limits can come from surprising sources, like the editorial director of a UK journal for architects.

January 8, 2014 - The Architects' Journal

New Yorkers Breathe Easier as the City's Buildings Clean Up Their Act

A Bloomberg administration effort to get New York's most polluting buildings to convert to cleaner heating fuels has provided remarkable results, a new study reports.

September 28, 2013 - The New York Times

Under Pressure, EPA Tightens Soot Standard

In what could be viewed as a classic environmentalist vs. business showdown, the EPA tightened by 20% the annual standard for soot over the objection of industry and some in Congress who fear it will dampen economic growth.

December 17, 2012 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

Gas Price Spike Was Uniquely Californian

During the first week of Oct, gas prices were falling through much of the country while spiking an unprecedented 50 cents in CA due to some unique circumstances - bad air requiring a unique fuel blend and a 'perfect storm' of refinery mishaps.

October 14, 2012 - San Jose Mercury News

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