Baltimore's Fight Against Air Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

Baltimore has been taking steps to address its air pollution problem, which has posed health risks to residents and led to an F rating from the American Lung Association. The Baltimore Clean Air Act, passed in 2019, aimed to force the city's largest air polluters to meet strict standards or shut down. However, a federal court struck down the law due to a conflict with state law. Despite this setback, there has been some progress, with a settlement agreement requiring the Wheelabrator trash incinerator to upgrade its pollution controls by the end of 2023. Additionally, Baltimore has seen marginal improvements in air quality since 2013, and long-term trends indicate a decrease in pollution since 1996, thanks to efforts by Maryland and the federal government.

The Baltimore Clean Air Act

One of the key focuses of the Act is the city's largest air polluter, the Wheelabrator Baltimore trash incinerator, as well as the nation's largest medical waste incinerator, Curtis Bay Energy. These facilities will be forced to abide by stricter air pollution standards or face closure. Compliance with the Act will cost Wheelabrator $95 million, requiring them to upgrade their pollution controls and reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, which can trigger asthma attacks.

It's worth noting that Baltimore's air pollution results from various sources, including building heating, traffic, industry, and out-of-city or out-of-state influences. The city has taken steps to address these issues, such as implementing stricter regulations and utilizing new technologies for more efficient energy use. However, there is still a need for current and accurate data on air quality in Baltimore neighborhoods to effectively tackle this issue.

Stringent regulations on industry and vehicles

Baltimore has implemented a range of stringent regulations to reduce air pollution from industries and vehicles. The Baltimore Clean Air Act, passed in 2019, targeted the city's largest air polluter, the Wheelabrator Baltimore trash incinerator, and the nation's largest medical waste incinerator, Curtis Bay Energy. The act raised emissions standards and required continuous monitoring of major pollutants, with data posted in real-time on a public website. This pushed Wheelabrator to upgrade its pollution controls, reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, which are detrimental to asthma patients.

Baltimore has also focused on reducing vehicle emissions, a significant source of air pollution. The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board is working to ensure that emissions from the region's transportation network are below the limits set in the State Implementation Plan. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has estimated that about 70% of Baltimore's smog is due to upwind states, with ozone issues largely resulting from power plant and vehicle emissions from neighbouring states. To address this, the MDE petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2016 to require these states to comply with Maryland's pollution control regulations.

In addition to these regulatory efforts, Baltimore has also implemented new technologies for more efficient energy use, contributing to improved air quality since 1996. The city has made notable progress in reducing fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), which has met federal attainment levels since 2010, although there was an uptick in 2019. While Baltimore continues to face challenges with ozone levels, the city's efforts demonstrate a commitment to stringent regulations on industries and vehicles to improve air quality.

Real-time air quality data

To address this gap, Cawood and SERC are planning to establish affordable and easy-to-set-up air monitors in neighbourhoods with limited or outdated air quality data. These efforts will empower residents to stay informed about the air quality in their communities and make informed decisions to reduce their pollution exposure.

Additionally, the Baltimore Clean Air Act, passed in 2019, includes a provision requiring the continuous monitoring of 20 major pollutants to be posted in real-time on a publicly accessible website. This provision ensures that residents have access to timely and transparent information about the air they breathe, allowing them to take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being.

While Baltimore has made significant progress in improving its air quality since 1996, with decreasing levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), there are still concerns about ozone levels and the impact of traffic emissions, industry, and out-of-state sources on the city's air quality. Real-time data plays a crucial role in helping residents, activists, and policymakers make informed decisions to address these ongoing challenges and create a healthier environment for Baltimore's communities.

Reducing out-of-state emissions

Baltimore has made significant strides in improving its air quality since 1996, with notable reductions in fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and slight improvements in ozone levels. However, the city continues to face challenges, especially from out-of-state emissions that contribute to its ozone problem.

To address this issue, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has identified the sources of out-of-state emissions and advocated for stricter enforcement of regulations. The MDE found that Baltimore's ozone pollution is largely due to power plant and vehicle emissions from upwind states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. While these states have similar regulations to Maryland, the enforcement of these regulations is less stringent, resulting in over-pollution.

In response, the MDE petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2016 to require 19 over-polluting power plants in these five states to comply with Maryland's pollution control standards. This would help Baltimore meet federal attainment levels for ozone pollution, a goal that has remained elusive despite overall improvements in air quality.

Additionally, Baltimore has taken legal action to address local sources of air pollution, such as the successful passage of the Baltimore Clean Air Act in 2019. This act targeted the city's largest air polluter, the Wheelabrator Baltimore trash incinerator, and the nation's largest medical waste incinerator, Curtis Bay Energy. The act raised emissions standards and required continuous monitoring of major pollutants, with the potential for facilities to install pollution controls or face closure.

Furthermore, Baltimore is addressing traffic emissions, a significant source of nitrogen oxide pollution in the state. The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board works to ensure that emissions from the region's transportation network remain below the limits set in the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The transition to electric vehicles is also being encouraged to reduce pollution from cars.

Overall, Baltimore is taking a comprehensive approach to reducing out-of-state emissions and improving air quality, combining advocacy for stricter enforcement of regulations in neighbouring states with local legislative action and technological advancements.

Community action and awareness

Baltimore residents have also advocated for greater transparency and accessibility of air quality data. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) monitors air quality within and beyond Baltimore City, providing valuable large-scale assessments. However, there is a recognised need for more current and accurate data at the neighbourhood level, particularly in South Baltimore, which faces myriad environmental hazards. To address this, Cawood and SERC are planning to establish affordable and easy-to-set-up air monitors in neighbourhoods with limited or outdated air quality data. This initiative empowers residents with the information needed to take appropriate actions to protect themselves from pollutants and target emissions sources.

Community activism has also brought attention to the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of colour in Baltimore. A Title VI complaint was filed against various city agencies and departments, arguing that specific waste management practices disproportionately affect communities of colour. Additionally, the issue of coal dust, a common problem due to uncovered coal trains and piles near schools and homes, has been raised by residents. The methane explosion at the CSX coal terminal in 2021 coated surrounding neighbourhoods in coal dust, highlighting the urgency of holding such facilities accountable for their environmental impact.

Baltimore's journey towards cleaner air is a collaborative effort, with residents, activists, and local governments working together to address the challenges of air pollution. While progress has been made, continued community action and awareness are essential to drive further improvements and ensure the health and well-being of Baltimore's residents.

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