Anti-Pollution Technologies for Vehicles: Can Non-Attainment Areas ReachAttainment via a Technological 'Fix'

摘要

Over the past decade significant reductions in new vehicle emissions have beenattained as a result of improvements in basic automotive technology. These improvements are a result of improvements in basic engine and exhaust technology; they are not the result of the incorporation of expensive and exotic new equipment. Today, many (but of course not all) gasoline powered vehicles are capable of meeting the California LEV emission standards. Further reductions in new vehicle emissions can be attained through further refinements of the basic technology of the gasoline engine (and exhaust system.) Even under the most pessimistic assumptions, passenger vehicle emissions of three (hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter) out of the four major pollutants are likely to fall considerably over the next twenty-five years. Emissions of carbon monoxide are forecast to rise. While the presence of carbon monoxide is a health hazard it has not been of principal concern in the Phoenix area. This is because of our summer ozone problem is caused by hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions and for winter 'brown cloud' problem is attributed to particulate matter. Thus, Phoenix's two major air pollution problems are likely to be mitigated substantially by the Federal Tier 2 standards. However, the increases in carbon monoxide emissions may lead to new problems for the Phoenix area.