Power plants and other industries across many U.S. states will have to cut smog-forming emissions under a new plan.   

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to reduce harmful pollution crossing state lines.   

Ozone is one of six common air pollutants that the Clean Air Act identifies as requiring limits to safeguard people’s health. The act’s ”good neighbor” provision decrees that a state can’t allow its emissions to affect a neighboring state’s ability to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).   

Up to 25 states will be affected, including Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah, to help people that live downwind of polluters — but in different states — breathe more safely. 

Clean Air Act Regulations Taking a Grip 

Many states have already adhered to EPA and Clean Air Act emissions for some years. Newly added states will have to limit nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions to comply with good neighbor status.   

According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the U.S. power sector has cut NOx emissions by 88% since 1990. In 2021, a fifth of the nation’s electricity came from renewables, with a further 18.9% from “emissions-free” nuclear power plants, helping reduce pollution.  

However, continued adverse health outcomes mean the EPA wants to extend the Clean Air Act’s enforcement area. Industries affected in states include coal-fired power plants, natural gas transport services, cement manufacturing, iron and steel mill boilers, glass production furnaces, chemical plants, and paper mills.  

What Is Ozone and Ozone Pollution? 

Ozone occurs naturally in the environment, high up in the stratosphere, and helps protect us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.   

Ground-level ozone stems from pollutants emitted by power plants, cars, chemical plants, and other industrial sources. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions react with sunlight to create ozone harmful to humans and ecosystems. 

What Will Be the Benefits of the Good Neighbor Plan? 

The EPA thinks the health and environmental benefits to its plan outstrip the associated costs of its implementation. In monetary terms, the EPA expects the ozone reductions to cost businesses $1.1 billion by 2026. Benefits reaped would total between $9.3 billion to $18 billion.   

In health outcomes, the department predicts the prevention of 1,000 premature deaths, more than 2,000 emergency hospital visits avoided, and 1.3 million fewer asthma cases. More than 470,000 school absence days could be averted, too.   

The environment would benefit from better visibility and protection for ecosystems across national and state parks, waters, and forests. 

Pollution Harms Millions of Americans Annually 

Air quality is improving in the United States, but air pollution is still linked to 100,000 – 200,000 deaths annually.   

State of the Air research shows that more than four in 10 Americans (41.1%) live in areas with unhealthy ozone or particle pollution levels across more than 217 counties. Furthermore, people of color are 61% more likely to reside in areas with polluted air than white people.   

Los Angeles is the country’s worst ozone pollution area and has been for all but one of the 22 years of data tracking. 

Who Does Ozone Pollution Affect?  

Even low ozone levels can affect health, particularly on sunny days. Vulnerable groups, including asthmatics, older people, children, outdoor workers, and even people practicing sports, can put themselves at risk.   

Children are most in peril because they’re most likely to be outdoors when ozone levels are high, and their lungs are still developing.   

Ozone exposure can cause coughing, sore throats, breathing difficulties, and damage to the airways. It also increases the chances of lung infections, asthma attack frequency, and can accentuate existing lung diseases. Studies show that deaths from respiratory causes can be linked to those people living in areas with high ozone concentrations.  

Fewer Emissions Plus Renewables Boost Cleaner Air 

The road to net-zero emissions by 2050 to counteract climate change is long and multi-faceted.   

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said: “Air pollution doesn’t stop at the state line. This step will help our state partners meet air quality health standards, saving lives and improving public health in smog-affected communities across the United States.” 

Opinion writer: Tom Shearman

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