GE 541 Lecture 10.ppt

* GE 541 Lecture 10 Air Pollution: Policies Implementation Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act of 1965 3 Major Revisions - 1970 - 1977 and - 1990 Amendments A. National technology mandates on auto manufacturers (Emission Control Systems) and oil companies (Market Cleaner Funds) B. Mandates on state governments to curb motorist’s auto use maintain emission control systems in working order C. Requirements that transport infrastructure investments be consistent with NAAQS. 3 Different Approaches Policies have achieved important successes Between 1970 1995 VMT doubled, but all auto emissions declined on a vehicle mile basis Ambient air quality has improved in SMSAs Still Air Quality still a challenge EPA has new standards for ozone and particulate matter Also GHG issue An assessment of the effectiveness of these policies Have all three elements of US strategy contributed to effectiveness Strategy: 1. Successful 2. Changing personal behavior? 3. Useful Overall Impacts of Air Pollutants Ozone - lung tissues functions PM - respiratory problems CO - O2 delivery to blood Lead - affects major organs, especially in children Nox - lungs respiratory functions Regulatory Standards National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) - set exclusively on the basis of their effects on human health, permitting CB considerations, among others, to come into play only in the choice of policies to achieve the health- based standards. EPA periodically reviews the standards. Ozone PM standards reviewed in 1997. Total Vehicle Miles Traveled and Highway Vehicle Emissions, 1970 - 95 Great Success Between 1970 1996 Lead Emissions ? by 98% CO ? by 31% VOC ? by 38% However, Agg. Nox ? by 8% (declined on per mile basis) Particulates ? by 137% Non Attainment Areas 1990 1997 92 (ozone) 59 (ozone) 42 (CO)