California's Smog-Forming Pollutants Decrease; Air Quality Has Improved Statewide.

Business & Metro Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2001

Overall emissions of smog-forming pollutants in California decreased 30 percent between 1985 and 1999.

The greatest contributor to that decline was a 36 percent decrease in smog-forming emissions from cars, trucks, buses and other highway vehicles.

The Road Information Program (TRIP) examined air quality trends in California using recent data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TRIP is a nonprofit highway research organization based in Washington, D.C.

TRIP credits increased use of lower-emitting vehicles, cleaner fuels and increased vehicle inspection and maintenance as contributors to the reductions in pollutants.

"This isn't just a story of a significant drop in emissions," said Larry Fisher, executive director of Transportation California, the state's leading highway advocacy group. "This is a remarkable improvement in light of the state's dramatic growth in population, vehicle miles traveled and economic output."

From 1985 to 1999, California's population increased by 25 percent, vehicle travel increased by 45 percent and the gross state product, adjusted for inflation, increased by 62 percent.

"Sadly, congestion-relieving transportation improvement projects continue to be challenged or delayed by groups that cite the threat of air pollution," said Fisher. "The U.S. EPA's own data tell the real story about our improving air quality."

The reductions in emissions was not equal throughout the state. The San Francisco Bay area had the best record with a 39 percent reduction of smog-forming emissions between 1985 and 1999. Smog-forming emissions in the Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento regions decreased by 30, 30 and 24 percent, respectively.

In California, smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are emitted from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, industrial facilities, aviation, agriculture, small engines such as lawn mowers and from the use of solvents and other chemicals. U.S. EPA found that emissions of VOCs and NOx from highway vehicles in California decreased by 36 percent from 1985 to 1999.

Despite the improvements, seven California metropolitan areas continue to have unhealthy air days and are out of compliance with federal clean air standards: Los Angeles, the southeast desert, Sacramento, Ventura County, San Diego, San Joaquin Valley, and the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc area. Los Angeles is the only California urban area classified "extreme" in its noncompliance. The desert, Sacramento and Ventura areas are classified "severe." San Diego, San Joaquin Valley and the central coast region are classified "serious." The San Francisco Bay area is not on the list.

"Further improvements are needed but it is important to note that we've already made significant progress," continued Fisher.

Technology promises to deliver more improvements. Diesel emissions, which emit 40 percent of vehicle NOx in the state, are expected to be reduced by 90 percent in California by the year 2010. State and federal law will require the sale of low-sulfur diesel fuel by 2006 and significantly cleaner diesel engines by 2007.

"Californians also would have even more significant air quality improvements if traffic congestion, which greatly increases auto emissions, was dealt with more effectively," said Fisher.

TRIP said motorists can contribute to clean air by driving as clean a vehicle as possible, driving green and traveling efficiently using these strategies:

Drive a low-emission vehicle:

-- Purchase the vehicle with the lowest emissions possible that still meets
your transportation needs.

-- Keep your vehicle well-maintained. Regular tune-ups and responding to
dashboard warning lights that indicate engine problems will save money and help
reduce emissions.

-- Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce
emissions.

Be a "green" driver:

-- Drive calmly, without fast starts, quick accelerations or

rapid braking.

-- Obey the speed limit.

-- When possible, travel at a steady speed. Using the cruise

control can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Travel efficiently:

-- If possible, share a ride to work or take transit.

-- Call 511 or use local media to get the latest traffic

information to choose the least-congested route.

-- Walk or bike. By negating the need for a short car trip you

can reduce emissions.

Note to Editors: The full report discussed in this news release contains comparisons of total emissions of smog-forming pollutants from 1985 to 1999 in 15 California urban areas.

Report: For a complete copy of "Breathing Cleaner Air in California: Why Air Quality in California Is Improving," go to www.transportationca.com (see Recent News).