University of Oregon economist finds polluters sometimes game system to avoid penalties

Eric Zou, an assistant professor in the UO economics department, found that companies and in some cases government agencies will do what they can to help their communities’ air pollution levels meet federal standards, which he documented in a paper published earlier this year: “Unwatched Pollution: The Effect of Intermittent Monitoring on Air Quality.”

Study: Clean Air Act Saved 1.5 Billion Birds

U.S. pollution regulations meant to protect humans from dirty air are also saving birds. So concludes a new continentwide study published today in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Study authors found that improved air quality under a federal program to reduce ozone pollution may have averted the loss of 1.5 billion birds during the past 40 years.

New Documentary Celebrates Clean Air Act, Highlights Communities Still Waiting for Clean Air

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act this year, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) will host the premiere of a new documentary that highlights the dramatic reductions in air pollution that the United States has achieved since Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, as well as the disparities in access to healthy air that persist in America.

Energy Regulation Rollbacks Threaten Progress Against Harmful Ozone

The fight against harmful ozone is under legal threat. Air quality and carbon emissions regulations are currently in limbo in courts and congress, from core legislation from the 1970s to rules from the last U.S. administration. This study models the future losses in the fight to drive down respiratory-damaging, ground-level ozone if the regulations go away.

Former EPA Administrator Available to Comment on EPA’s Threats Toward California Over Clean Air Act Compliance

The Environmental Protection Agency, in a letter from EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler dated Sept. 24, threatened to pull federal highway funding in California due to the state’s “failure” to improve air quality as required by the Clean Air Act. The…

Former EPA administrator available to comment on expected revocation of California’s authority on car emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce Wednesday it is rescinding California’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles, a move that is part of a larger strategy to rollback vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards adpoted during…

Former EPA administrator available to comment on expected revocation of California’s authority on car emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce Wednesday it is rescinding California’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles, a move that is part of a larger strategy to rollback vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards adpoted during…