Once a region is determined to be in violation of air quantity standards, the federal government can withhold funding for transportation and other projects or refuse to issue permits for initiatives that would exacerbate the pollution.
The Austin area is no longer meeting acceptable levels of air quality standards for fine particulate matter, also known as “soot,” pollution.
The EPA says fine particulate matter is “associated with increased infant mortality, hospital admissions for heart and lung diseases, cancer, and increased asthma severity.” In recent years, Travis County air monitors have recorded an average of 9.3 micrograms per cubic meter, half a microgram over the new standard. Those levels have stayed near constant in the area for at least the last 14 years, according to Cox.
Some local sources of fine particulate matter pollution include: vehicle tail pipes, factories, oil wells, construction sites, quarries or even Cox said the area has a year before the EPA issues its formal nonattainment designation. After that, he said, local officials should have about a year and a half to develop a plan with state regulators at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to tackle the problem “before there are greater consequences.”At a meeting this month of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO, CEO Ashby Johnson said talks with state regulators were just starting.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
The Austin Chronic: How Worried Should Cannabis Users Be Over Paxton Suing Austin?A Q&A with Congressman Greg Casar
Lire la suite »
Biden Administration May Relax EPA Rules Driving Electric Vehicles: ReportPotentially bowing to dealer, automaker and union pressure, the Biden Administration may back off rules leading to wider EV adoption.
Lire la suite »
Biden Administration May Relax EPA Rules Driving Electric Vehicles: ReportPotentially bowing to dealer, automaker and union pressure, the Biden Administration may back off rules leading to wider EV adoption.
Lire la suite »
Utah is pushing back against ever-tightening EPA air pollution standardsThe Biden administration is unveiling new, stricter pollution standards for American cities such as Salt Lake City, Utah, which have long struggled with chronically dirty air.
Lire la suite »
Austin area schools look forward to nearby opponents, being more competitive after UIL realignmentThe University Interscholastic League reevaluates which schools compete against each other in sports and other activities every two years. That process is underway for 2024-2026.
Lire la suite »
Amid a staffing crunch, Austin police officers raked in nearly $50 million in overtime moneyScores of Austin police officers earned six figures in overtime last year. Is that sustainable?
Lire la suite »