The Pittsburgh region has seen the overall quality of its air improve over the past few decades. Yet, levels of key air pollutants remain stubbornly higher those in most other regions across the nation, raising the question: Is doing better good enough? More
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Is Better Good Enough?
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Major Pollutants Remain a Problem
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies parts or all of the seven-county Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area to be in nonattainment of health-based limits for three major air pollutants it regulates: fine particulates, or PM2.5, ground-level ozone and sulfur dioxide. Places are designated nonattainment areas for failing to meet air quality standards over a period of... More
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The Power of a Few
Citizens mobilized to take on polluting New York coke plant The U.S. Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation were all quick to issue press statements applauding the $24 million fine a federal judge imposed on Tonawanda Coke Corp. in March for the egregious violations of the Clean Air Act... More