—
A new approach, not currently described by the Clean Air Act, could eliminate air pollution disparities.
Called the “dispersion model,” the new approach would focus on where emissions originate, rather than where they eventually disperse.
“It would be a very different and, frankly, much better system,” said Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt in an interview with The Washington Times.
The goal of the dispersion model is to better track emissions and their impact on air quality. The model would also be more nimble in responding to changes in air pollution.
“What we have now arecommand-and-control regulations that are very static,” Pruitt said. “What the dispersion model does is it gives us the ability to be much more proactive.”
The dispersion model is not without its critics, who say that it is untested and could be difficult to implement. But Pruitt is confident that the EPA can make it work.
“We think it’s a better approach, and we’re going to be pursuing it,” Pruitt said.
Air pollution is a problem that disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. A new approach that is not currently described by the Clean Air Act could eliminate these disparities.
The new approach would focus on reducing emissions from the most polluting sources, such as factories and power plants. It would also provide incentives for businesses to switch to cleaner technologies. Finally, it would create a fund to help low-income communities and communities of color mitigation air pollution.
This new approach would be much more effective than the current approach, which relies largely on individual behavioral changes, such as carpooling or using public transportation. It would also address the root causes of air pollution, rather than simply attempting to mitigate its effects.
Implementing this new approach would require a significant investment of resources. However, the long-term benefits would be well worth the cost. Not only would it improve the quality of life for millions of people, but it would also create a more sustainable and equitable society.
