EPA's Efforts to Reduce CO
Reducing emissions of CO is an important part of EPA's strategy for cleaner air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, and local governments work as partners to reduce emissions of CO. EPA's main approaches to reduce CO have been to establish national ambient air quality standards, to require national controls for motor vehicle emissions, and to require reductions from large industrial facilities.
National health-based air quality standards
- EPA set two national health protection standards for CO: a one-hour standard of 35 parts per million and an eight-hour standard of 9 parts per million. Across the nation, air quality stations measure the levels of CO and other pollutants in the air. These measurements are compared to the standards. Areas that have CO levels that are too high must develop and carry out plans to reduce CO emissions. There are only a few areas in the U.S. with CO levels this high and those are either in California or are subject to unusual topographical/meteorological conditions.
Control of motor vehicle emissions
Starting in the early 1970's, EPA has set national standards that have considerably reduced emissions of CO and other pollutants from motor vehicles, including tailpipe emissions, new vehicle technologies, and clean fuels programs. Since 1970, CO emissions from on-road vehicles (which includes cars, motorcycles, light- and heavy-duty trucks) have been reduced by over 40 percent. The greatest reductions have been in emissions from cars (nearly 60 percent).
Major Milestones in Motor Vehicle Emissions Controls
1970: Clean Air Act sets first auto emissions standards
1974: EPA sets fuel economy standards
1975: First catalytic converters are used for CO and hydrocarbons. First use of unleaded gas in catalyst-equipped cars.
1983: Vehicle inspection and maintenance programs established in 64 cities.
1990: Clean Air Act Amendments set new tailpipe standards.
1992: Oxyfuel introduced in cities with high CO levels.
1992: The Energy Policy Act (Epact) was passed by Congress to reduce our nations dependence on imported petroleum. The law requires certain fleets (Federal, State, and Alternative Fuel Providers) to purchase a specified percent of their new vehicle purchases as Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV’s). Alternative Fuels covered by the act include:
- Methanol and Ethanol in blends of 85% or more with gasoline
- Natural Gas, and liquefied fuels domestically produced from Natural Gas
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG or Propane)
- Coal-derived liquid fuels
- Hydrogen and electricity
Biodiesel (B100)—added in 2001
1994: Phase-in of new vehicle standards and technologies begins. Also, phase-in of new Cold Temperature CO standards and technologies begins.
1997: EPA strengthens the standard for particulate matter air pollution
1999: Clinton Administration announces federal plan that would for the first time require all private passenger vehicles – including sport-utility vehicles and diesel-powered vehicles – to meet the same tough clean air standards.
2000: EPA passes new rule for diesel, capping sulfur levels in diesel fuel at 15 parts per million by 2007.
2001: New standards phased in to control aggressive driving modes and A/C use.
2003: EPA proposes new non-road diesel emissions reduction plan.
2004: Phase-in of new standards and technologies that reduce CO, most significantly from light-trucks.
2004: DOE launches a series of Hydrogen Education Workshops in Lansing, Mi—the first of six. These events are designed to educate State governments on Hydrogen Power—“The Promise, The Challenge”.
2004: DOE releases long-term Hydrogen research plan
2004: California ARB reports that pollution in the Los Angles area (considered by the State to be the most seriously polluted region in the US) has dropped by 25% since 1980, and that exposure to Los Angeles smog has decreased by 50%.
Permits for large industrial facilities
The EPA requires large industrial or commercial facilities to obtain a permit prior to construction, to ensure that they are well controlled and do not cause significant adverse health and environmental impacts. Generally, this would include industrial boilers and incinerators that might release significant CO emissions to the air.