Groups Seek Sensors To Monitor Air Pollution Closer to Calif. Freeways
The Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to have the Environmental Protection Agency place air pollution sensors near freeways to address public health concerns, the AP/San Jose Mercury News reports.
Research has suggested that people who live or work near freeways have increased risks of developing health problems.
The groups claim EPA violated the federal Clean Air Act by accepting a plan regarding the locations of pollution monitoring stations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The groups want EPA's monitoring stations to be within 300 yards of freeways so that people living nearby can know how much vehicle emission is being generated.
Adrian Martinez, an attorney for NRDC, said the groups want to ensure that "all residents can breathe clean air and not just those who live outside" of major roadways.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which oversees the air monitoring network, said it is in compliance with federal rules.
Barry Wallerstein -- AQMD's executive officer -- said the agency has started its own studies to examine the health effects of living near roadways (AP/San Jose Mercury News, 1/3).
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