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newsrel -- Air quality Almanac includes state air quality trends

Posted: 12 May 2009 11:07:37
The Air Resources Board announces the release of the 2009 edition
of the California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality . 

Release 09-44
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE					
CONTACT:	Mary Fricke

May 12, 2009		
(916) 322-2990
www.arb.ca.gov
                                                               
Air quality Almanac includes state air quality trends
San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air basins show lower PM
levels and fewer ozone days
 
SACRAMENTO –The Air Resources Board released its annual
California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality this month that
shows dramatic improvement in air quality in two of the
historically troubled areas - Southern California and the Central
Valley - despite increased trucking, port activities and
population growth. 

The almanac indicates pollutants have dropped significantly over
the last 20 years in both San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast
Air basins.  Ozone levels have decreased approximately 10 percent
in the San Joaquin Valley and 35 percent in the South Coast Air
basins since 1990.  Fine particulate matter in the South Coast
region has decreased nearly 35 percent and the San Joaquin Valley
20 percent for the period of 1999 to 2007 namely due to
regulations aimed at reducing ozone and coarse particulate
matter. 

Data from the statewide 2009 almanac also shows that over the
last 20 years:

•	A dramatic decrease of 53 percent in hydrocarbons and 35
percent in NOx emissions that contribute to the formation of
ozone and PM; 
•	The number of unhealthy days with high concentrations of ozone
has decreased an average of 35 percent; 
•	Exposure to ozone in major urban areas has dropped
approximately 80 percent;  
•	A number of areas in the state that previously violated the
federal 1-hour ozone standard now meet the standard; and  
•	All areas of California now meet state and national standards
for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. 

“These good statistics covering the past 20 years show a lot of
progress simultaneous with growth in population and economy but,
there is still more to be done,” said ARB Chairman, Mary D.
Nichols.  “We will continue to employ innovative approaches to
keep California on the right track so we protect public health
which will result in a healthier workforce and fewer hospital
visits for families.”

These air pollution reductions are a result of regulations
adopted by ARB and the 35 local air quality districts over the
last 40 years.  Recent efforts such as the adoption of tougher
particulate matter and NOx regulations from big-rig trucks and
buses, and equipment enhancements at California service stations
are expected to help the state meet more stringent air quality
standards.  

ARB’s California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality is
produced annually and contains information about historical,
current and forecasted emissions trends as well as historic air
quality data. The data is collected from over 200 monitoring
stations that are operated and maintained in partnership with
local air districts.  

Each year, more than 10 million air quality measurements are
collected from all the stations and are stored in a comprehensive
air quality database maintained by the ARB.  To ensure the
integrity of the data, ARB routinely audits and reviews the
monitoring instruments and data.

To view a downloadable version of the almanac, go to:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/aqd/almanac/almanac09/almanac09.htm

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

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