May 25, 2007—An early look at air quality and emissions data for 2006 shows continued improvement in the nation’s air quality over the long term, reports the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Emissions of six key pollutants have reportedly dropped by more than half since 1970, and the national average concentration for each criteria pollutant is below the level of its air quality standard.
According to EPA, total emissions of the six key “criteria” pollutants and the compounds that form them dropped 54 percent between 1970 and 2006. During the same time period, EPA says the US gross domestic product increased 203 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased 177 percent, energy consumption increased 49 percent, and US population grew by 46 percent. In addition, emissions of air toxics in 2002 were 35 percent lower than 1990 levels.
To review the national air quality and emissions trends, visit the EPA Web site.
