Despite California’s reputation for clean air regulations, Greater Los Angeles is the smogiest region in the country — a dubious title it has earned in 24 out of 25 reports from the American Lung Association. And the trend continues, as several Southland counties earned F grades for the 25th consecutive time from the group, which released its latest report Wednesday.
Since the turn of the century, Southern California’s air regulators have significantly reduced lung-damaging dense clouds The pollution that once covered this area,
Between 1996 and 1998, there were approximately 230 days in Greater Los Angeles when ozone (a major component of smog) exceeded federal health standards. with more than 1 million Electric vehicles on California roads And due to the large-scale installation of renewable energy, the region could see an average of 55 fewer unhealthy smog days between 2020 and 2022, the American Lung Assn. said in this 25th Annual “State of the Air” Report.
“Overall, the nation has made dramatic progress in reducing air pollution,” said Laura Kate Bender, an executive with the American Lung Assn. “In many cases, California-led measures to clean up vehicles, power plants and other industries have made big progress. But 25 years later, too many people are still living with unhealthy air.”
Nationwide, more than 100 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone, one of the most prevalent forms of air pollution. It includes about 18 million residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties – none of which has ever received better than an F grade from the American Lung Association. To unhealthy levels of ozone.
The new report highlights some of the most challenging years for environmental regulators, who are grappling with a pandemic-related boost in e-commerce. Record-setting heatwaves And historical wildfire,
Environmental advocates say the findings come at a critical point that will determine the trajectory of the region’s air quality. In 2024, regulators are set to decide on a larger list of environmental rules, however state budget deficit Some funding may be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the November general election ballot will bring measures and candidates that will shape environmental policies.
Smog has been a problem in Southern California since the widespread adoption of the automobile. The area’s countless cars and trucks emit large amounts of vehicular exhaust fumes, which creates smoke when cooked in the perennially sunny climate. Mountain ranges block airflow and prevent pollution from spreading.
State and local regulators have adopted many nation-leading rules to reduce emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.
Although Electric vehicles and clean car engines have significantly reduced pollutionTransportation remains the largest source of transportation in California’s major cities. Heavy-duty trucks, cargo ships, and trains are some of the largest contributors to regional pollution.
San Bernardino, a bastion of warehouses and semi-trucks for the region’s freight movement, had nearly six months of unhealthy smog days – far more than any other county in the country.
“The large increase in warehouse clearances and the growth in the logistics industry has essentially invited thousands of new daily truck trips to the area,” said Will Barrett, a senior director of the American Lung Assn.
California air regulators are waiting for the Biden administration to sign off on two rules that would phase out heavy-duty trucks and trains that burn fossil fuels.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District is expected to discuss new rules aimed at reducing pollution from Southern California’s railyards and ports. The San Pedro-Long Beach port complex is the largest stationary source of smog-forming pollution.
are also environmental advocates Rallying support to maintain a California law that prevents new oil and gas drilling near homes and schoolsThe subject of a controversial and expensive ballot referendum in November. These wells can also release harmful pollutants that make smog worse.
As regulators continue to search for answers, Orange County pediatrician Dr. Afif Al-Hassan remains concerned for the three million children who live in Southern California and are exposed to polluted air. He is well aware of how smog and other air pollution can affect the lungs, triggering asthma attacks and preventing development.
Adding to the concerns, smog levels are at their highest in the summer, when many children are out of school and want to spend time outside.
“It’s a reminder to me that there are many ways to take away the quality of childhood,” El-Hassan said. “I am constantly faced with the challenge of finding a balance between ensuring that children are able to exercise and spend time outside, while doing so in a way that protects their lungs and upper airways from being damaged.”
