An all-hands-on-deck approach to achieving clean, healthy air

I can’t help but think back to when I was an editorial associate for a Fresno, California-based publisher. This was a step up from the copywriter assignment that I had had previously. The person who had occupied the then editorial associate spot had just recently quit. So, with no one in charge of magazine editorial … Read more

Leading by example: California shows continued, strong commitment to state emissions reduction

California can be credited with many air-quality-improvement firsts. Listed among these is a waiver granted by the fed that allowed the state to establish its own more stringent light-duty vehicle tailpipe-emissions standards, that is, apart from those prescribed for the rest of the U.S. In an Oct. 19, 2020 news release, meanwhile, the California Environmental … Read more

A critical look at surface-air-temperature change: Influencing ground-level ozone or not is the question

Ozone (O3) is a colorless but not odorless gas. When ignited, ozone gives off a chlorine-bleach-like odor. So, obviously, based on this, there is a point at which ozone ignites, and it is when this ignition point is reached that the chlorine-bleachish smell from the ozone is produced and released. It is in this sense … Read more

The Clean Air Act turns 50 and what that means for me, should mean for US

In “The three commonalities of air pollution and climate change,” posted here on the Air Quality Matters blog on Sept. 22, 2020, the passage having to do with polluted air expressly and that just about says it all, reads: “Air pollution is a disrupter in how it affects people’s lives. Depending on concentration, amount, type … Read more

Research links interstitial lung disease to air pollution, diabetes

The below Dec. 9, 2020 news release is from Michigan State University. People with prediabetes or diabetes who live in ozone-polluted areas may have an increased risk for an irreversible disease with a high mortality rate. A new study recently published in the Environmental Health Perspectives connects insulin resistance and repetitive ozone exposure to the … Read more

Is a net-zero-carbon atmosphere something worth pursuing?

Atmospheric carbon neutrality which is another way of saying “net-zero carbon emissions within the atmospheric medium,” at first blush sounds really awesome. But, is it really – all that awesome, that is? Before attempting to answer this question one way or the other, at the very least in order here is a review of carbon/carbon … Read more

EPA required to strengthen regulations in eight states to lower smog from fracked gas, oil extraction

The below Oct. 22, 2020 press release is from the Center for Biological Diversity. A federal court has approved an agreement between conservation groups and the Environmental Protection Agency requiring the agency to ensure reductions in asthma-causing smog from oil and fracked gas extraction across portions of eight states. Under the agreement, which was approved … Read more

Fuel-cell technology used to power food distribution center in Stockton, Calif.

The below Oct. 27, 2020 press release is from KeHE Distributors. As part of the company’s quadruple bottom line, focusing on people, purpose, planet and profit, KeHE Distributors announced today it will power its food distribution center in Stockton, California with Bloom Energy Servers to provide clean and reliable electricity. By adding Bloom Energy fuel … Read more

Glad for people who see the light; sad for those who don’t

In The Fresno Bee on Oct. 17th published was an article (fourth article in the grouping) bearing the following title: “Do you want to improve Fresno streets and transit system? This agency wants your ideas.” I must say I was intrigued. Now, based on what I read, I cannot help but feel – and perhaps … Read more