July 13, 2007 01:46 AM UTC

Clean Cars Alleviate Ozone Pollution

• 0 Comments
• by: EnvironmentColorado

A few weeks ago, ozone pollution reached unhealthy levels in the Denver-metro area.  Unfortunately this is not the first time nor is it expected to be the last.  Colorado has exceeded federal ozone standards the past two summers and officials in state and local government say this summer may not be any different.  Colorado can only exceed federal ozone standards two more times before the EPA will begin regulating. 

Ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, warding off the more powerful of the sun’s rays; in the lower atmosphere, however, ozone is a major health concern.  The pollution irritates the lungs and respiratory system, negatively affecting elderly, children, and the asthmatic.  Even those in good health report having pain and shortness of breath on days with high ozone concentrations. 

Industry and vehicle emissions are the primary causes of ozone in the lower atmosphere.  This is a problem that has a clear solution: we need to clean up the way we do business and the way we live.  To do so will only be to our benefit. 

One necessary change must be the vehicles we drive.  The cars we drive today could be far cleaner and far more efficient.  Twelve states have already taken the initiative on this and have agreed to the Clean Cars program.  Adopting Clean Cars would decrease ozone-causing and global warming pollution, save consumers money, and better the health of Colorado citizens. 

We have every reason and ability to begin living in a cleaner, more sustainable way.  We should use them wisely and implement policy that makes sense for Coloradoans.