Study notes US air quality has improved despite higher energy use

By the OGJ Online Staff

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 17 --A coalition of business and farm interests said Thursday federal government data show air quality has improved dramatically since 1970 even as US energy consumption has grown.

"Government data show that over the past 3 decades Americans have experienced increasingly healthier air and tremendous economic expansion powered by greater energy consumption," said Foundation for Clean Air Progress Pres. William Fay.

"The data illustrate that energy consumption is not incompatible with America's quest to improve its air quality," said Fay.

The group released a study it commissioned from the consulting firm Energy & Environmental Analysis Inc. The report is the latest effort by special interest groups to sway public opinion in what lobbyists anticipate will be a contentious legislative battle over energy and environmental issues. Earlier this week a group of environmentalists and religious groups launched a campaign against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and US dependence on foreign oil (OGJ Online, Jan. 16, 2001).

Congress returns next week after a month-long holiday recess. Clean air issues will be debated early on in the session, within the context of energy reform legislation, and as part of possible revisions to the Clean Air Act, last amended over a decade ago.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) has said the Senate will debate a comprehensive energy bill before spring. That proposal may include provisions for clean fuel formulas and higher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles. However, a bill passed in August by the Republican-led House of Representatives does not try to rewrite clean fuel standards. It also called for mild improvements in fuel efficiency that environmental groups say do not do enough to reduce fuel consumption.

Congress is expected to consider separate legislation on revisions to the method used to regulate stationary source pollution from power plants and refineries.

Industry groups say more flexibility is needed to meet air quality goals. They maintain federal regulators need to step back from "command and control" policies that were crafted in an era before technological improvements made refineries and power plants more efficient.

Environmental groups argue that the only reason the US data show such dramatic drops in air pollution is because of strict environmental standards. They also note that nitrogen oxides, which exacerbate smog, have risen 22% according to the US data interpreted by EEA.

The industry-backed Foundation for Clean Air Progress said EPA expects NOx emissions to decline because of new technology and tougher diesel fuel standards.

The coalition's analysis tracked air quality gains and energy consumption during the 1970-1999 period, relying on Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Information Administration data.

The nationwide data showed declines in several categories since 1970: carbon monoxide down 28%, sulfur dioxide levels 39%, volatile organic compound levels 42%, particulate matter (PM-10) 75%, and airborne lead 98%.

During the period, overall energy consumption increased 41%. Commercial usage grew 80%, transportation 64%, residential 34%, and industrial 21%.

Coalition members said the numbers show air quality improvements do not require expensive measures to reduce energy demand.

"The data exhibit the extent of America's 3-decade campaign to clean our air. The continuing national commitment, impending laws and regulations, promising technologies, and the trend lines demonstrate that the air quality progress will continue into the foreseeable future," said Fay.

"There was a time that Americans had to choose between clean air and energy use. The facts show that healthier air can go hand in hand with a healthy economy."

He said another common misconception is that air pollution is increasing, as evidenced by a national survey that found 66% of Americans think air quality has worsened while only 28% believe it has improved. "We hope that the facts about our nation's air quality progress will help reverse these public misconceptions," he said.