LA's Pollution Rating Drops

Although it is still far from meeting some standards, the Los Angeles area has made significant improvements in air quality in recent years.

1 minute read

December 4, 2000, 11:00 AM PST

By California 2000


The South Coast air basin continues to be the nation's only"extreme non-attainment area" for ozone pollution, however, the numberof days which the area was out of compliance with the federal standarddropped from 130 days in 1990 to 41 in 1999. In addition, Los AngelesCounty was rated unhealthful 5 % of the time last year compared to 28%in 1995, and Houston has replaced Los Angeles as the "smoggiest city" inthe nation. Although the area has made progress in recent years,environmental groups stress that there is still a long way to go toimprove air quality. Dave Jesson, the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) liaison to the South Coast Air Quality Management District,points out that if the EPA wins its court fight over its air pollutionstandards, Los Angeles will have even farther to go to be in compliance.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Thursday, November 30, 2000 in Contra Costa Times-Walnut Creek

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