Air Pollution
Latest Stories
Pakistan's smog is visible from space. This activist is 'frustrated' but won't give up
The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting.
Recurring odor in Southwest Washington has residents searching for answers
A pungent odor that originated in Southwest Washington and wafted into Portland in recent weeks has left residents wondering where it’s coming from and what it could be.
Weekday Wrap: Bad Oregon air quality; Oregon DEQ ponders dairy air pollution; Astoria camping ordinance and Salem’s mayor leaves
Columbia, Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington, Linn, Lane and Douglas counties are under an air quality advisory due to smoke from wildfires in the area. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is asking if the state should begin regulating air pollution from large dairies. Astoria unveils new camping ordinance for those experiencing homelessness. Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett is resigning rather than serving out his third term.
Science & Environment
Portland roofing company to pay $1.45M for air pollution
A Portland roofing company will pay $1.45 million for air quality violations over a ten-year period. The fine is the largest penalty in the history of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
State officials issue air quality advisory for Portland and Salem areas
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory Monday for the Portland and Salem areas.
Eliminating fossil fuel air pollution would save about 50,000 lives, study finds
Burning oil, coal and other fossil fuels releases plumes of tiny, dangerous particles. A new study estimates that eliminating that pollution would save about 50,000 lives in the U.S. each year.
Wildfire smoke can change the atmosphere, even a week later
Even when skies appear clear of smoke, authors of a new study say leftover smoke particulates can continue to impact the atmosphere for more than a week.
Science & Environment
Zero emissions truck plan gets green light from Oregon regulators
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission approved rules meant to reduce carbon emissions from heavy-duty trucks and buses, which account for 23% of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Science & Environment
Oregon has a new plan for cutting climate pollution
Under orders from Gov. Kate Brown, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality developed a new set of rules that would cap greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduce them over time.
Science & Environment
Parts of Oregon were hit with months of smoke last year, report concludes
Last year’s wildfires blanketed almost all of Oregon in smoke. Some southern areas of the state experienced several months of smoky air, according to a new report from an environmental group.