EPA Improves Smog-Reduction Plans in Urban Areas

Dec. 3, 1999
EPA will strengthen smog-reduction plans in nine major urban areas with the most challenging air pollution problems.

In an effort to make the air cleaner for some 49 million Americans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will strengthen smog-reduction plans in nine major urban areas with the most challenging air pollution problems in the nation.

The nine metropolitan areas targeted include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Greater Connecticut (Hartford), Houston, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

"Each of the plans we reviewed shows a strong commitment to reducing harmful air pollutants that cause smog," said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. "We are confident that, working with states and cities, we can finalize flexible, common-sense approaches to reducing pollution and bring cleaner, healthier air to breathe for millions of Americans within the next decade."

This preliminary EPA review involved air quality plans for 10 areas covering 13 states and the District of Columbia. Regarding the plans already reviewed, EPA concluded that every plan, but that for western Massachusetts, needs further work to protect public health and the environment. On Nov. 15, EPA received significant plan revisions for the Houston-Galveston area that are currently under expedited review.

Under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Congress required these areas to develop plans for providing cleaner air to their citizens. Except for western Massachusetts, each of the areas will need to update their transportation and air quality planning to ensure that public health and the environment are protected.

According to EPA, each year, smog is responsible for millions of cases of serious respiratory disorders and reduced lung capacity.

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EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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