Articles tagged with "air-quality"
The Particulars of PM 2.5 - CleanTechnica
The article "The Particulars of PM 2.5" from CleanTechnica explains the significance of particulate matter (PM) pollution, focusing on PM 2.5—particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter—and its impact on air quality and public health. It highlights a case study from New York City, where a congestion pricing program led to reduced traffic and a measurable decline in PM 2.5 levels, improving air quality notably in Manhattan’s central business district. Despite federal efforts to tighten air pollution standards in 2024, recent moves by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to relax these limits threaten to reverse progress, potentially increasing health risks such as premature deaths, heart disease, lung cancer, and brain damage. Particulate matter pollution consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, including dust, soot, metals, and organic compounds. PM pollution is categorized by particle size, with PM 10 (particles under 10 microns
energyair-pollutionparticulate-matterPM2.5environmental-healthEPA-regulationsair-qualityCalifornia Takes A ZEV Sales Victory Lap, Trump Or No Trump
California recently celebrated a significant milestone in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, with ZEVs accounting for 18.9% of new car sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 and surpassing 2.5 million cumulative sales. This achievement was highlighted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and state officials as a clear message that transportation decarbonization efforts will persist regardless of federal political changes, including opposition from the Trump administration. Officials emphasized that ZEVs not only reduce air pollution but also offer benefits such as lower maintenance costs and enjoyable driving experiences, signaling a strategic shift in promoting electric vehicles based on economic and performance advantages rather than solely environmental concerns. Supporting this transition, new research from the University of Southern California (USC) demonstrated measurable improvements in local air quality linked to increased ZEV adoption. By analyzing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution across nearly 1,700 California neighborhoods from 2019 to 2023 using high-resolution satellite data, the study
energyzero-emission-vehicleselectric-vehiclesclean-energytransportation-decarbonizationair-qualityCalifornia-Energy-CommissionEnergy Affordability & Clean Air on the Line in Washington State - CleanTechnica
The Washington State Supreme Court heard oral arguments on January 22, 2026, regarding the legality of Initiative 2066 (I-2066), which narrowly passed in the 2024 election with 51.7% of the vote. The initiative’s ballot title was challenged for being misleading, as it purportedly amended existing climate and clean air laws without clear voter awareness. Critics argue that I-2066 falsely claimed the state was banning natural gas access, despite state laws ensuring energy choice and requiring gas utilities to serve customers who want gas appliances. The initiative was supported by groups like the Building Industry of Washington and Let’s Go WA, with significant funding from out-of-state interests. Opponents, including Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans, environmental organizations such as Washington Conservation Action, the Sierra Club, and Front and Centered, contend that I-2066 undermines energy affordability, clean air protections, and the state’s clean energy transition commitments. They describe the initiative as a deceptive effort
energyclean-energyclimate-changerenewable-energyenergy-policyair-qualityWashington-stateTrump Redirects Pollution-Control Funding to Prop Up More Polluting Coal Plants - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports that the Trump administration has redirected pollution-control funding to support coal plants that are more polluting and expensive to operate. This move is seen as an effort to prop up the coal industry despite its environmental and health consequences. The Sierra Club, through its Beyond Coal Campaign Director Laurie Williams, strongly criticized the decision, stating that it prioritizes fossil fuel industry profits over the health and wellbeing of Americans. Williams emphasized that the administration’s actions, including removing health considerations from rulemaking and cutting pollution-control funding, will lead to dirtier air, unsafe drinking water, increased illness, and premature deaths. The Sierra Club, highlighted in the article, is a major environmental organization focused on promoting clean energy, protecting public health, and preserving natural habitats through activism, education, and legal efforts. The article underscores the tension between environmental advocacy groups and the Trump administration’s policies favoring fossil fuels, particularly coal, at the expense of environmental and public health protections.
energycoal-powerpollution-controlfossil-fuelsclean-energyenvironmental-policyair-qualityEPA Cooks The Books On Industrial Pollution Costs - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica criticizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the current administration for changing how it calculates the economic costs of industrial pollution. Specifically, the EPA will no longer assign a monetary value to the health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone pollution on human beings. Instead, the agency will focus solely on the economic costs that pollution regulations impose on corporations. This shift is seen as prioritizing corporate interests over public health, effectively weakening environmental protections by softening regulations deemed too burdensome for polluters. Fine particulates, which are tiny particles produced by burning fossil fuels, and ozone, a smog-forming gas, are linked to serious health problems including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, asthma, cognitive decline, and premature death. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, low-income communities, and people of color are disproportionately affected. Research cited in the article highlights that fossil fuel-related air pollution causes approximately 8.7 million deaths
energypollutionindustrial-pollutionfossil-fuelsenvironmental-policyair-qualitypublic-healthWowza — NYC Congestion Pricing Cut Pollution 22% In Just 6 Months! - CleanTechnica
New York City implemented congestion pricing on January 5, 2025, aiming to reduce pollution by charging vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) in Manhattan below 60th Street. Data from 42 air quality monitors showed a significant 22% reduction in PM2.5 pollution within just six months. Specifically, average daily peak PM2.5 concentrations dropped by 3.05 µg/m³ inside the zone, where background levels typically range from 8-9 µg/m³. Importantly, pollution also decreased citywide by 1.07 µg/m³ and by 0.70 µg/m³ across the broader metropolitan area, countering concerns that traffic and pollution would simply shift to neighboring areas. The effectiveness of the CRZ improved over time as drivers adapted by switching to public transit, rescheduling trips, or taking alternative routes. Vehicle traffic declined by 11% overall, with heavy-duty truck traffic dropping 18% and passenger vehicles down
energypollution-reductioncongestion-pricingurban-planningair-qualitypublic-healthtransportation-policyEnvironmental & Community Orgs File Lawsuit to Stop Trump Exemptions from Air Pollution Rules for Steel Industry Coke Ovens - CleanTechnica
Community, health, and environmental organizations, including NRDC, Earthjustice, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the Trump administration’s exemption allowing steel industry coke ovens to bypass critical air pollution controls. The administration granted a two-year nationwide exemption for all 11 coke oven facilities in November 2025, claiming that required emissions-control technologies were not yet commercially viable. However, the EPA had recently found these updated pollution standards posed no significant immediate compliance challenges. Critics argue this exemption endangers public health by permitting continued toxic emissions of carcinogens and neurotoxic pollutants, particularly harming communities near facilities like ABC Coke in Alabama. The 2024 EPA coke oven rule introduced stricter emissions limits, mandatory fenceline air monitoring, and tighter controls on leaks from coke oven components, with compliance deadlines set between mid-2025 and early 2026. Advocates emphasize that these regulations were the result of long-standing community
energypollution-controlsteel-industryenvironmental-lawair-qualityindustrial-emissionsEPA-regulationsOrganizations Celebrate NTEC Fossil Gas Plant Hitting Major Setback, Groups Call on Dairyland Power Coop to Cancel Plans - CleanTechnica
Minnesota Power has officially withdrawn from the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC), a 625 MW fossil gas plant project it was developing alongside Dairyland Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. This decision follows the co-owners’ earlier withdrawal of the project's air permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the City of Superior’s denial of local zoning permits, which effectively halted the project. The move has been welcomed by local residents, tribal groups, environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Healthy Climate Wisconsin, and Clean Wisconsin, all of whom have long opposed the plant due to concerns about air quality, climate impact, and public health. Environmental advocates emphasize that the NTEC project was outdated and unnecessary, especially given the availability of cleaner energy alternatives. They call on Dairyland Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative to fully cancel the project and shift focus toward clean energy solutions. Elizabeth Ward, Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter Director, and Evan Mulh
energyfossil-gaspower-plantclean-energyenvironmental-advocacyrenewable-energy-transitionair-qualityNorth Carolina DEQ Approves Water, Air Permits for SSEP - CleanTechnica
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has approved the water and air permits for Transco’s Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP), a 55-mile pipeline expansion running through Virginia and North Carolina. The project includes pipeline construction and compressor station expansions, crossing over 150 streams and wetlands, including the Jordan Lake and Randleman Lake watersheds, which supply drinking water to over one million residents. Despite significant public opposition, including resolutions from five impacted municipalities and over 750 public comments urging denial, NCDEQ granted the permits in December. Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, Appalachian Voices, 7 Directions of Service, and Clean Water for North Carolina have strongly criticized the decision. They argue that the project threatens water quality, air quality, and aquatic habitats, while prioritizing corporate profits over community health and environmental protection. Critics also highlight the use of polluting gas-powered compressor stations and destructive construction methods. These organizations vow to continue opposing the pipeline, emphasizing the need to
energypipelineenvironmental-permitsair-qualitywater-qualitycompressor-stationsNorth-CarolinaCourt Sides with Sierra Club and Advocates to Strike Down EPA Clean Air Designation - CleanTechnica
A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the Sierra Club and environmental advocates by striking down the EPA’s decision to redesignate the Detroit area from “nonattainment” to “attainment” under the Clean Air Act for ground-level ozone pollution. This legal victory, stemming from a 2023 lawsuit, prevents Michigan from avoiding stricter pollution controls and permitting requirements that are crucial for reducing ozone precursor emissions. The ruling comes amid rising asthma rates in Detroit, particularly affecting Black communities, and addresses longstanding air quality issues in the region. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit found that the EPA acted unlawfully in allowing the redesignation, thereby reinstating stricter air quality standards and permitting rules for new pollution sources in the Detroit area. While the court upheld some EPA findings that let Michigan avoid other nonattainment requirements, the decision effectively closes a loophole that had made it easier for states to circumvent stricter pollution controls. Advocates emphasize that this ruling is a significant step toward improving
energyenvironmental-lawpollution-controlair-qualityClean-Air-ActEPA-regulationspublic-healthNew jet-sink airflow design traps 94% exhaled pathogens to reduce infection risk
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a novel "jet-sink" airflow device designed to trap and remove up to 94% of exhaled airborne pathogens, significantly reducing infection risk in indoor environments. Unlike traditional ventilation systems that circulate large volumes of air but struggle to prevent pathogen inhalation during close contact, this new personalized airflow approach redirects air around the body and draws contaminated aerosols into a localized purification zone. Computer simulations of a 30-minute interaction showed that while standard ventilation left a 91% infection risk, the jet-sink system reduced it dramatically to 9.5%, outperforming existing personal ventilation methods. The innovation addresses limitations of current personalized ventilation systems, which often cause discomfort due to constant high-speed airflow and lose effectiveness when users move. The jet-sink design combines comfort with targeted control, making it suitable for settings like clinics, classrooms, and offices where close contact is common. The research team plans to further test prototypes in larger and clinical spaces and hopes their findings
energyair-qualityventilationindoor-air-purificationairflow-designinfection-controlHVAC-systems20 New EV Charging Ports Installed In Long Beach, CA - CleanTechnica
PowerFlex, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), has installed 20 new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports at the LACDA Carmelitos community in Long Beach, California. This installation is part of Los Angeles County’s broader initiative to deploy 15,000 EV chargers on county properties by 2035. Half of these new chargers are available to the public, while the other half serve LACDA fleet operations. The project emphasizes social equity by prioritizing sustainable infrastructure in historically underserved communities. The article highlights the severe air pollution challenges faced by the Long Beach and Los Angeles area, which consistently ranks as the nation’s most ozone-polluted metro region, leading to increased asthma rates and cancer risks. Transitioning to EVs powered by California’s predominantly clean electricity—which reached two-thirds clean energy in 2023—helps reduce harmful emissions. California is phasing out coal power entirely, further enhancing the
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingclean-energydecarbonizationsustainable-infrastructureair-qualityNew Jersey Still Has EV Purchasing Incentives - CleanTechnica
The article highlights that New Jersey continues to offer significant electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives despite the reduction of federal EV incentives. Residents can receive $1,500 toward a new EV or lease, with an additional income-qualified incentive of $2,500, totaling up to $4,000. There is also a $250 incentive for installing a Level 2 charger. These incentives substantially reduce the effective cost of popular EV models such as the Chevy Equinox EV, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, bringing many options below $40,000 and making them highly competitive against traditional gas, diesel, or hybrid vehicles. The article emphasizes the broader benefits of EV adoption in New Jersey, including reducing harmful emissions like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds that contribute to poor air quality and health issues such as asthma and low birth weight. It argues that when factoring in climate change impacts and health costs, gas and diesel vehicles may
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-incentivesclean-energyair-qualityclimate-changeNew-JerseySierra Club Releases Nearly 1,000 New Emails from Trump’s EPA - CleanTechnica
The Sierra Club has released 952 pages of emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, revealing communications between Trump-era EPA officials and various industry groups, including automakers, chemical manufacturers, and energy associations. These records expose efforts by corporate polluters and lobbyists to influence the EPA to roll back environmental protections, such as vehicle emissions standards and California’s waiver policy aimed at reducing tailpipe pollution. Notably, companies like Toyota and Ford sought direct meetings with EPA leadership to discuss these rollbacks, while trade groups like the American Petroleum Institute coordinated support for nullifying emissions waivers. The emails also highlight industry attempts to weaken regulations on harmful chemicals such as PFAS and PFOA, with chemical companies like Chemours and industry associations lobbying against Biden administration protections. The Sierra Club views these disclosures as evidence that the Trump administration’s EPA prioritized polluters’ interests over public health and environmental safeguards. The organization plans to continue using FOIA requests to increase transparency and holds that these communications
energyenvironmental-regulationEPAvehicle-emissionschemical-manufacturingair-qualitypublic-healthGet Rid of Dieselgate Cars, Organizations Say - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica marks the 10-year anniversary of the Dieselgate scandal, where millions of diesel cars were found to have cheated emissions tests, emitting pollution far above legal limits. Despite the scandal's exposure a decade ago, many of these high-polluting vehicles remain on European roads, continuing to contribute significantly to air pollution and public health issues. A coalition of organizations—including Transport & Environment (T&E), UNEP, ETSC, CMC, and OPUS RSE—is urging European lawmakers to revise vehicle regulations to systematically identify and remove these cars. Their proposals include real-world emissions testing, annual inspections for older vehicles, mandatory repairs or scrappage funded by manufacturers, and stronger safety checks. The coalition also highlights the ongoing human toll, estimating that Dieselgate-related pollution has caused 124,000 premature deaths so far, with 81,000 more projected. They criticize Europe for lagging behind the U.S., where Volkswagen was forced to buy back or fix affected vehicles.
energyemissionsdieselgatevehicle-pollutionair-qualityenvironmental-policyautomotive-regulationsDust Storms From Great Salt Lake Roll Into Towns, Bringing Hazardous Chemicals - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the environmental and public health hazards posed by dust storms originating from the exposed lake bed of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Once submerged under 16 feet of water, the lake bed has become a source of toxic dust storms due to record low water levels caused by drought, water diversion, and heat. These dust storms carry heavy metals such as arsenic and other carcinogenic substances embedded in the sediment, which can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Exposure to these metals is linked to serious health issues including respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular problems, infertility, and nervous system disorders. The Great Salt Lake, a terminal lake with no outlet, accumulates industrial, urban, mining, and agricultural pollutants from a population exceeding two million people. The lake’s shrinking surface area has exposed over 120 square miles of lake bed, increasing the frequency and intensity of dust events. While air quality monitors exist in nearby counties, they do not analyze the specific composition of the
energyenvironmental-pollutionheavy-metalstoxic-dust-stormsGreat-Salt-Lakeair-qualityindustrial-contaminationThe Human Health Risk Of Breathing Carbon Dioxide - CleanTechnica
The article critiques recent claims attributed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) promotes plant growth and benefits agriculture and ocean chemistry. The author strongly disputes this optimistic view, arguing that increasing CO2 levels pose significant health risks to humans and ecosystems. The piece condemns current U.S. leadership for prioritizing fossil fuel profits over environmental and public health, accusing them of ignoring the dangers of elevated CO2 concentrations. Supporting this stance, the article references a scientific study by Ugo Bardi and colleagues titled “Carbon dioxide as a pollutant: the risks on human health and the stability of the biosphere.” This research highlights that while CO2 contributes to global warming, it also chemically affects biological systems, increasing ocean acidity and harming marine life. Importantly, elevated CO2 negatively impacts human health, especially in enclosed environments where concentrations can rise to dangerous levels, as exemplified by the Apollo 13 mission’s life-threatening CO2 buildup. The article warns
energycarbon-dioxideenvironmental-protectionair-qualityhuman-health-risksclimate-changefossil-fuelsYou may be inhaling 68,000 microplastics a day inside your home
A recent study by French scientists reveals that people may be inhaling up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily inside their homes and cars, far exceeding previous estimates. Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected plastic particles predominantly smaller than 10 micrometers—tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. These microplastics originate from the degradation of common household items such as carpets, curtains, paint, textiles, and especially car interiors, which contain numerous plastic-based materials that shed particles due to heat, friction, and sunlight exposure. The study highlights a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution: indoor air, where people spend about 90% of their time. Unlike prior research focused on oceans or outdoor environments, this work emphasizes the intimate exposure risks within everyday living spaces. The health implications are concerning, as inhaled microplastics may cause respiratory inflammation and carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are linked to various health problems including endocrine
materialsmicroplasticsindoor-air-pollutionplastic-pollutionhealth-risksenvironmental-scienceair-qualityAir quality tests around xAI’s Memphis data center raise questions
Elon Musk’s xAI data center in Memphis, powered by natural gas turbines, has sparked concerns among local residents about potential air pollution. In response, the City of Memphis conducted air quality tests at three locations near the facility—downtown Memphis, Whitehaven, and Boxtown—on June 13 and 16. The results, released by the city, indicated that levels of the ten pollutants tested were not dangerous. However, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the NAACP, criticized the testing for omitting ozone (smog), a significant pollutant, and for methodological issues such as placing monitors directly against buildings, which could affect accuracy. The testing was limited in scope and duration, with sampling equipment running for 10 to 13 hours on days when wind patterns were unlikely to carry pollutants from the data center to the test sites. Formaldehyde was detected downtown but remained within urban norms. The SELC's concerns highlight potential gaps in the testing approach, particularly
energydata-centernatural-gas-turbinesair-qualitypollutionenvironmental-monitoringozoneNREL Partners With Chilkat Indian Village To Improve Housing in Klukwan, Alaska
energyrenewable-energyhousing-improvementcarbon-monoxide-safetyair-qualityNRELcommunity-developmentEvoLectric Repowers Medium-Duty Trucks To Keep Costs Down & Air Quality Up
electric-vehiclesfleet-managementrepoweringbattery-technologysustainable-transportationair-qualitycost-effective-solutions