Additionally, a Houston plant emits almost five times more smog-forming pollutants than a Southern Californian plant of the same size. Refineries in Los Angeles must follow 30 specific smog-control rules. There has been no record of job losses at oil refineries due to high costs of controlling smog. Some believe that regulation has actually increased employment. But, there are steep prices associated with smog control.
Gasoline prices are higher in California, partially due to the issue of air pollution.
Even as high costs come with strict regulation, Los Angelenos are aware of the severity of the smog issue. There is an obvious willingness to pay in order to set a healthy pathway for the future of Southern California. Policy changes have improved air quality considerably since the years of the Second World War and there is promise for more smog-control to help even more in the coming decades, thus leading to improved air quality for the Los Angeles Basin.