Producing clean and efficient energy sources can have a significant impact on air quality in the United States. The American Lung Association’s (ALA) 2014 report on the nation’s “State of the Air” illustrates that despite the fact that we continue to reduce particle pollution, another pollutant has recently been discovered as a cause of lung cancer. As a result, air quality remains a grave concern for public health.
The ALA report suggests that half of our nation lives with unhealthy air. Further surprising is that levels of the ozone or smog, the most prevalent pollutants, were much worse than last year. The ozone worsened in metropolitan areas in 2010 through 2012 compared to those in a 2009 through 2011. Warmer summers in 2010 and 2012 attributed to the higher readings.
The ALA and The Clean Air Council claim that under new emission limits in Pennsylvania affecting Philadelphia and cities such as Cherry Hill, New Jersey, coal fired plants will be allowed to emit more than 130,000 tons of smog causing oxides yearly. That is 40% more than they presently release. This promoted Joanna Foster’s article, Will Pennsylvania’s Proposed Anti-Smog Regs Actually Create New Pollution Hot Spots?
How could regulation to reduce smog emissions make Pennsylvania and New Jersey air quality worse? According to Foster the new plan does not require individual facilities to meet standards but simply requires compliance with an average across all of their facilities. Hence, many areas could still be considered hazardous but not revealed in the figures. The plan is supposed to bring air quality into compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Although many technological cures have been proven to be cleaner, such as switching from coal to natural gas, or the use of pot scrubbers in power plant smoke stakes, many wonder if this is the best we can do as a nation. Philadelphia environmental lawyers at Michelman & Bricker, P.C. keep current on developments in environmental changes and support any efforts to improve environmental damage.
Philadelphia Environmental Lawyers at the Law Firm of Michelman & Bricker Fight for Consumers who have been affected by Environmental Matters
Environmental lawyers in Philadelphia at Michelman & Bricker, P.C. are here to help consumers and their communities fight for their right to clean air. Our environmental lawyers have the experience and knowledge to deal with government environmental protection. We represent clients in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, throughout Massachusetts and in Puerto Rico from our multiple office locations. Please call our environmental lawyers in Philadelphia office for a consultation at 215.557.9440 or use our online contact form.