Colorado is undergoing a comprehensive pollution research initiative led by NOAA and NASA to identify and control sources of toxic ozone and greenhouse gases. This initiative, the first of its kind in a decade, involves ground and aerial surveys over northeastern Colorado's oil and gas basins and urban areas. The findings will guide future policy changes to meet EPA ozone standards and improve air quality.
In an aggressive move to tackle severe air pollution, Colorado has embarked on a significant scientific campaign to pinpoint and mitigate the sources of toxic ozone and greenhouse gases. This initiative, a collaboration between NOAA, NASA, and Colorado's health department, spans over two weeks and covers the state's most polluted regions, including the Denver Julesburg oil basin and urban corridors.
The research strategy employs a tiered system of data collection, including satellite and airborne remote sensing, drones, research vessels, and mobile labs. This approach allows scientists to measure pollutants like nitrogen oxides, methane, and carbon monoxide from different layers of the atmosphere and directly at the source. The data collected will be crucial in understanding the current pollution levels compared to those from a decade ago and in identifying the most effective points of intervention for policy change.
The findings from this extensive research will be instrumental in drafting new environmental policies and improvement plans required by the EPA. Colorado faces a 2027 deadline to comply with 'severe' ozone violation standards. The data-driven approach not only aims to reduce pollution levels but also to enhance real-time air quality forecasting, thus better protecting residents from health risks associated with poor air quality.
After Colorado, the research team plans to extend their study to Salt Lake City and other major U.S. oil and gas basins. This nationwide initiative signifies a broader federal commitment to tackling air pollution through science and technology, sharing state-of-the-art techniques with local governments to refine strategies for air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.
Colorado's comprehensive pollution research initiative marks a pivotal step in addressing the severe ozone and greenhouse gas challenges facing the state and potentially the nation. By leveraging advanced technologies and scientific expertise, the state aims to craft effective environmental policies that will ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment for future generations.
"Sharing 'state of the art' technologies between government and academic researchers may have immediate benefits for strategies to improve air quality and mitigate climate change." - Steven Brown