US Struggles to Meet Ozone Standards Despite Cap and Trade Efforts

The United States continues to face the persistent problem of ground-level ozone exceeding federal standards in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions each summer. Despite state-level efforts and the establishment of the Ozone Transport Commission by Congress in 1990, the issue remains unresolved, prompting an examination of the US 'cap and trade' approach by Daniel Chartier.

The article discusses California's ongoing efforts to address a federal disapproval of portions of its 2018 ozone air-quality plan, which was rejected in 2021. The state is currently working on an alternative to the federal emissions program, including the 2024 Transport State Implementation Plan Amendment, also known as the Good Neighbor SIP. This plan aims to address the inadequacies outlined by the EPA in their disapproval and ensure that the emission reduction targets outlined in the Interstate Transport Federal Implementation Plan are sufficiently addressed.

California's proposed reductions are based on the Clean Truck Check program, which is expected to eliminate more emissions than the federal plan. The state is actively seeking solutions to meet the ozone standards and mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.

Why this matters: Ground-level ozone pollution poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The ongoing struggle to meet federal ozone standards highlights the need for effective and coordinated efforts at both the state and federal levels to address this pressing environmental issue.

As the summer approaches and the risk of elevated ozone levels persists, the effectiveness of the US 'cap and trade' approach and California's alternative measures will be closely watched. The success of these efforts will have far-reaching implications for air quality, public health, and the environment in the affected regions.

Key Takeaways

• US faces persistent ground-level ozone exceeding federal standards in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
• California working on alternative to federal emissions program, including 2024 Transport SIP Amendment.
• California's proposed Clean Truck Check program expected to eliminate more emissions than federal plan.
• Ground-level ozone poses health risks, highlighting need for effective state and federal efforts.
• Effectiveness of US 'cap and trade' approach and California's measures will impact air quality and health.