Improving the standards of air pollution control is a problem every government on our planet is facing. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working toward improving the current smog standards of 80 parts per billion to 75 parts per billion. Though physicians argue that the standards should be tightened further to minimize the ill-effects of air pollution upon the elderly and children, I am pleased that the EPA is at least moving toward the right direction.
At present, the EPA has a court ordered deadline of March 13th to make their recommendations. Opponents of the proposed 75 parts per billion control - largely business groups - argue that the current standard is adequate. Of course they are thinking not in terms of public health but of their pocketbooks. Hopefully the EPA will continue moving forward by doing what is right for the well-being of ourselves and the environment instead of pleasing the wealthy influential business groups.
More work is needed to achieve the Utopian ideal of minimal air pollution and a cleaner environment. But most big jobs start with small well placed steps.
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