La's Air Quality: How It Improved Over Time

Los Angeles has long been associated with poor air quality, but significant improvements have been made in the last few decades. The Clean Air Act, established in 1967, has been deemed the most effective federal regulation for clean air, and later amendments in 1977 and 1990 further contributed to improvements in LA's air quality. More recently, the implementation of the Clean Air Action Plan in 2006 has resulted in an 87% decrease in particulate matter and a 58% reduction in nitrogen oxides, a key precursor to ozone pollution. While there is still work to be done, as LA's air pollution levels continue to exceed federal standards, the city has made notable progress in addressing this issue.

The Clean Air Act

Los Angeles has long struggled with air pollution, with the first recognised episodes of smog occurring in the city as far back as 1943. In the summer of that year, visibility was just three blocks, and people experienced burning eyes and lungs, as well as nausea. This phenomenon was termed a "gas attack" and was blamed on a nearby butadiene plant. However, even after the plant was shut down, the smog persisted.

In 1947, Los Angeles County established the Air Pollution Control District, the first such body in the nation. California continued to take action against air pollution, forming a Bureau of Air Sanitation within the California Department of Public Health, which was tasked with establishing air quality standards and setting controls on motor vehicle emissions. In 1966, California established the nation's first tailpipe emissions standards, and the following year, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was established.

Under the Clean Air Act, CARB has adopted and enforced a range of nation-leading air pollution controls, based on scientific research. This has resulted in significant improvements in Los Angeles' air quality over the last two decades. The Clean Air Action Plan of 2006 has been particularly effective, reducing particulate matter from port operations by 87% and lowering nitrogen oxides, a key precursor pollutant to ozone, by 58%.

While Los Angeles still has work to do to meet federal air quality standards, the Clean Air Act, along with local and state regulations, has played a crucial role in improving the city's air quality and protecting the health of its residents.

Clean Air Action Plan of 2006

The Clean Air Action Plan of 2006, also known as the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), is a landmark strategy aimed at reducing port-related air pollution and its associated health risks. It was collaboratively developed by the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. The plan is notable for its comprehensive approach, addressing pollution from various sources, including ships, trucks, trains, cargo-handling equipment, and harbour craft.

One of the key components of the Clean Air Action Plan is the Clean Truck Program, which sought to phase out "dirty" diesel trucks from the ports within five years. This involved replacing them with a new generation of clean or retrofitted vehicles driven by people earning at least the prevailing wage. The plan also set aggressive milestones with measurable goals for improving air quality and eliminating emissions of ultra-fine particulates.

The Technology Advancement Program is another important aspect of the Clean Air Action Plan. This program provides funding, guidance, and staff support to test and implement clean air technologies, with a focus on reducing emissions, including greenhouse gases. The plan also included vessel pollution reduction programs and introduced the world's first hybrid tugboat.

The Clean Air Action Plan of 2006 has shown significant results. Since its implementation, particulate matter (PM) has dropped by 87%, and nitrogen oxides, a precursor pollutant to ozone, are down by 58%. The plan has been periodically updated to stay current and forward-thinking, with updates in 2010 and 2017. The 2010 update included new goals for the next decade and emphasised the ports' pledge to periodically update the plan. The 2017 update further accelerated progress toward a zero-emission future while protecting the ports' economic competitiveness.

California Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a California government agency established in 1967 by then-governor Ronald Reagan, through the Mulford-Carrell Act. The board is a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency, which reports directly to the Governor's Office in the Executive Branch of California State Government. CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources by reducing air pollutants while considering the effects on California's economy.

CARB's stated goals include attaining and maintaining healthy air quality, protecting the public from toxic air contaminants, and providing innovative approaches to complying with air pollution rules and regulations. The board is responsible for defining vehicle emissions standards, and California is the only state permitted to issue such standards under the federal Clean Air Act. CARB also implements California's policies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and has been instrumental in driving innovation in the global automotive industry through programs such as its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

CARB has been successful in decoupling California's greenhouse gas emissions from economic growth, achieving its goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels in 2016, four years ahead of the target date of 2020. The board's Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program, adopted in 1990, addressed smog-forming pollutants from automobiles sold in California from 1994 to 2003. An amendment to the program, LEV II, was adopted in 1999 and covered vehicles from 2004 to 2014.

CARB also regulates indoor air quality, requiring all portable indoor air cleaning devices sold in California to be certified by meeting electrical safety, ozone emissions, and ozone emission concentration limits. Additionally, CARB's Commercial Harbor Craft regulation targets emissions from commercial vessels, primarily diesel-powered vessels operating in California's ports. Vessel owners have been required to replace their engines or send their boats out of state since the regulation's adoption in 2008.

CARB typically holds monthly meetings that are open to the public and available via webcast. California has dedicated nearly $33 billion to climate solutions through the Cap-and-Trade Program, which is aligned with CARB's efforts to improve air quality in the state.

Reduction in emissions

Los Angeles has made significant strides in improving its air quality over the last three decades. The Clean Air Act, along with its subsequent 1977 and 1990 amendments, has been pivotal in establishing federal air quality monitoring, emission control, and enforcement. The Act has prevented an estimated 237,000 deaths from 1970 to 2020, showcasing its effectiveness in mitigating air pollution's health risks.

The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act played a particularly crucial role in enhancing LA's air quality. More recently, year-over-year improvements have been notable, with an 11.8% reduction in air pollution from 2018 to 2019. The COVID-19 lockdown measures also contributed to a prolonged period of exceptional air quality, as non-essential businesses closed and residents stayed at home, leading to a substantial decrease in emissions.

The Clean Air Action Plan of 2006 has also been instrumental in reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are precursors to ozone pollution. As a result, particulate matter has dropped by 87%, and nitrogen oxides by 58%. However, the ports remain a significant source of pollution, generating an estimated 100 tons of smog daily, and sporadic wildfires impact yearly average air quality.

To further decrease emissions, port authorities are exploring investments in cleaner energy transport vehicles. Additionally, California has been at the forefront of addressing air pollution since 1967 with the establishment of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This organization brings together local governments, businesses, and residents to research and implement effective air pollution policies.

While collective action is crucial for controlling emissions, individuals can also play a role in reducing air pollution. Simple steps include reducing car trips, using energy-efficient lighting, and opting for fans instead of air conditioning. Supporting environmental initiatives, such as the shift towards electric vehicles, is also essential in the collective effort to improve air quality.

Lockdown measures

The COVID-19 lockdown measures built on previous efforts to improve Los Angeles's air quality. The Clean Air Act, established in 1970, along with amendments in 1977 and 1990, played a crucial role in reducing air pollution. The Act created federal air quality monitoring, emission control, and enforcement measures, preventing an estimated 237,000 deaths from 1970 to 2020.

In addition to federal regulations, local and state regulations have also contributed to improving Los Angeles's air quality. The Clean Air Action Plan of 2006 specifically targeted particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, resulting in significant reductions. The shift towards electric vehicles and increasing the use of renewable energy sources are also promising efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

While there have been improvements, Los Angeles still faces challenges in meeting federal air quality standards. Port authorities, for example, continue to be a significant source of pollution, producing an estimated 100 tons of smog daily. However, they are actively exploring new ways to reduce emissions, such as investing in cleaner energy transport vehicles.

Wildfires also impact Los Angeles's air quality, and the changing climate increases the risk and severity of these fires. The combination of dry conditions, flammable fuels, hot summers, steep mountains, and strong winds creates an environment highly susceptible to large and severe wildfires, which can degrade air quality. Despite these challenges, the long-term trend in Los Angeles's air quality is improving, and ongoing efforts provide optimism for further progress.

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