Air Quality

Wine Country Wildfires Put Focus on Wildland-Urban Interface
The fires in Northern California have caused at least 21 deaths, with over 500 people missing in Sonoma County. Wired science editor, Adam Rogers, looks at the problems posed when urban development encroaches wildlands.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Cleaner Air In Paris? There Will Be an App for That
Cars, smartphones, and Paris’ air quality crisis.
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.
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.
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.
Pagination
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