New U.S. Anti-Smog Restrictions Raising Debate Over Effects on Atmospheric Chemistry

Cartoon courtesy of toonpool.com

There is always a lot of controversy anytime longstanding federal regulations are changed. This time, the uproar came because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to increase the stringency of national air quality standards regarding nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions.

NO2 forms quickly from the emissions of cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and off-road equipment. In addition, the compound also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone (also known as smog), and fine particle pollution, which is linked with a number of adverse effects on the human respiratory system.

There is a clear benefit to taking action to reduce NO2, but there is also concern among some in the scientific community about potential side effects to taking this action.

Click to read more ...

EPA Will Give Up to $7 Million in Grants to Spur Methane Reduction Innovations

Bacteria is a big source of methane gas, which is found in termites mound, cow flatulence, rice paddies, swamps, and in the sea bed. Methane also comes from petroleum fields and is the natural gas you cook with. Photo courtesy of ChemistryLand.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Environmental Protection Agency, through its Methane to Markets partnership program, will make up to $7 million in grants available for international initiatives to reduce global methane emissions by promoting capture-and-use projects in oil and gas systems, coal mining, landfills, and animal waste management.

Methane is emitted from a variety of both human-related and natural sources. Human-related activities include fossil fuel production, animal husbandry, rice cultivation, biomass burning, and waste management. These activities release significant quantities of methane into the atmosphere. It is estimated that 60% of global methane emissions are related to human-related activities.

Click to read more ...