The Washington Times, April 22, 2005
Segye (South Korea), April 24, 2005

Environmentalists are quick to admonish, “Every Day is Earth Day”- a mild reproach that everyone should daily consider how their actions affect the planet. In fairness, in the United States at least, the evidence suggests that every day is earth day, so environmentalists’ sniping is unwarranted.

While there are various environmental problems, the environment has improved markedly since the first Earth Day in 1970. The Pacific Research Institute, now in conjunction with the American Enterprise Institute, has published an annual “Index of Leading Environmental Indicators” for 10 years.

Among good news this year: Air pollution is at an all-time low. The 2005 Index shows that since 1976, aggregate emission of air pollutants measured by the Environmental Protection Agency all substantially declined.

Indeed, pick a pollutant, its levels have declined: Ozone is down 31 percent, sulfur dioxide is down 72 percent, nitrogen dioxide is down 42 percent, carbon monoxide is down 76 percent, particulates are down 31 percent and lead has declined 98 percent.

So, for the first time since air pollution has been monitored, virtually the entire nation has achieved clean air standards for four of the six pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act.

As for ozone and particulates, the only pollutants that still widely exceed clean air standards, areas with the highest pollution have shown the greatest improvement.

This means the reported average national decline understates the improvement in the worst areas. While the nation still has a way to go, this year’s ozone levels were a record low.

Much decline is due to cars getting cleaner every year. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates auto-fleet emissions will decline more than 80 percent over the next 25 years.

On the waterfront things are getting better as well. While even the EPA argues the current levels of mercury in fish are unlikely to pose a significant health risk, it is certainly a public concern. Thus, the public should be happy to learn mercury emissions have declined by 45 percent since 1990.

Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. has not ignored global warming. The U.S. has spent more money- more than $6 billion - than any other government on creating and promoting technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing economic growth. (FRI.)