As some communities take steps to grapple with these issues, we can certainly stand and applaud.
Automobiles increasingly contribute to poor air quality conditions.
To reduce auto emissions, EPA has focused primarily on technology and tailpipe controls, not on managing the demand for personal travel. But in the past few years it has become clear that even though cars are cleaner, auto air pollution continues to rise because of dramatic increases in the number of miles being traveled by car. The demand for personal travel continues to grow faster than technological improvements can reduce auto emissions. This phenomenon has led EPA to consider promoting control strategies that focus more on diversifying personal travel options, in addition to traditional vehicle related controls. The EPA is proposing to use its authority under the Clean Air Act to allow metropolitan areas to count emissions reduced by certain urban policies towards their state's attainment and maintenance of clean air standards.