In the wake of a proposal by the federal government to ban the additive MTBE from gasoline, the governor wants to use ethanol instead to reduce pollution from the city's air. We think we can stop using MTBE, which is an octane booster, and replace it with ethanol and do just as well. St. Louis' heat and humidity contribute to its pollution problems that originate from car and power plant emissions. The region also is affected by pollutants drifting from Kentucky and Illinois, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Even at low levels, smog can cause respiratory problems, including more asthma attacks.
Ozone is of the most concern during the summer.
A serious rating could mean a loss in federal highway funds unless the city immediately addresses the problem. But the EPA says St. Louis does not meet the requirements to be classified as a serious threat. The EPA recently approved a plan to reduce smog in the city, which for years has exceeded acceptable levels. The air quality plan, which calls for improved vehicle inspections and new emissions rules for power plants, should enable the region to meet federal air standards by 2003. The air is cleaner than it's ever been since the Industrial Revolution.