Increase gas prices for cleaner air?

Credit: Joe Strupek - Flickr

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is examining updated gasoline mixtures to reduce air pollution, including ozone emissions. However, these changes would come at a cost, which is estimated to impact consumers with an additional $5 to $10 at the pump each month.

New gasoline formulations would help the North Front Range region meet ozone standards. Ozone, the main component of smog, forms on hot, sunny days when common pollutants react in the air. Ozone and smog inhalation can lead to respiratory health issues, especially for children and the elderly, and many studies have tied it to heart disease. The North Front Range has had trouble in the past and foreseeable future meeting ozone standards.

Northern Colorado ozone standards:

• 70 parts per billion: New ozone standard adopted in October 2015
• 75 ppb: Prior ozone standard adopted in 2008
• 78 ppb: Larimer County ozone, as measured in 2012-14
• 82 ppb: 2012-14 ozone in Denver Metro Area/North Front Range zone, which includes Fort Collins
• 71 ppb: Estimated Larimer County ozone in 2025, still out of compliance

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

For additional information and the complete Coloradoan article by Jacy Marmaduke please visit: What would you pay for gas to reduce air pollution?