Abstract
Government-sponsored research and regulations enabled western U.S. states to clean up their air, despite industrial and population growth. Proposed funding cuts could undo this progress.
Highlights
Clean air is fundamental for human survival, yet it is often compromised in urban areas, and megacities emit enormous quantities of pollutants into the air
The U.S Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was the first federal legislation to recognize the detrimental effects of poor ambient air quality on human wellbeing and to provide funding for research and technical assistance to control air pollution
Subsequent legislation has recognized the right for state agencies to establish environmental regulations specific to their needs, leading to more stringent regulations in states such as California
Summary
Government-sponsored research and regulations enabled western U.S states to clean up their air, despite industrial and population growth. Cynthia Curl 16 January 2018 In the proposed budget for the U.S government for fiscal year 2018, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) research spending is cut by as much as 40% [Cornwall, 2017] This reduction in funding could jeopardize progress in environmental quality, cost America its environmental leadership role, and allow polluted air and water to once again become commonplace in U.S cities. Air quality has improved (https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport/2017/#highlights) over North America and Europe in recent decades, and China and India are making concerted efforts to protect the health of their citizens and environment Despite this progress, the United States plans to defund research and pollution control efforts. The scientific community should effectively engage in increasing public awareness about the detrimental effects of air pollution, and the public should work with their representatives and senators to strengthen EPA’s efforts to promote healthy air quality
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