By Blake Jackson
Soil and crop scientist Murray McBride warns that proposed deregulations could have severe environmental consequences, including the resurgence of acid rain, worsened urban smog, and soil contamination.
McBride states, “Easing limits on emissions from power plants, including those that burn coal, is likely to increase release of greenhouse gases as well as pollutants (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury) that in the past created acid rain, acidified lakes and soils, and introduced mercury into ecosystems.” He specifically points to the potential damage to regions like the Adirondacks, saying, “The Adirondacks in New York were particularly affected by these atmospheric emissions with serious impacts on fish and more acid-sensitive tree species such as maples. It appears that under Lee Zeldin’s leadership, we may see the return of acid rain and its damaging effects on ecosystems.”
Furthermore, McBride cautions that relaxed emission standards for vehicles and power plants could lead to increased urban smog, reminiscent of pre-EPA regulation days. “In addition, the proposed loosening of standards for emissions from power plants as well as from cars and trucks could bring back the urban smog that was common in cities such as Los Angeles before the EPA began instituting stricter vehicle emission standards in the mid 1970’s. We only need today to look at the terribly unhealthy air quality in some cities around the world (e.g., in China) where emission standards are weak or non-existent to realize how important and effective these stricter EPA standards have been.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-hirurg
Categories: New York, General