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Eco-Glossary

Emissions

 
Emissions is the term used to describe the gases and particles which are put into the air or emitted by various sources. Sources include factories and electric power plants, cars, trucks, lawn mowers, airplanes and anything else that moves and puts pollution into the air.
 
The amounts and types of emissions change every year. These changes are caused by changes in the economy, industrial activity, technology improvements, traffic and many other factors. Air pollution regulations and emission controls also have an effect. The EPA is mainly concerned with emissions which are or could be harmful to people, specifically: carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
 
In 1970, the U.S. Congress passed Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments which set into motion a nationwide effort to improve the country's air quality. Since then, other laws and regulations have been added, along with efforts and policies developed and enacted by countries worldwide. (Source: EPA / Photo: milehightraveler/iStockphoto)

Recent Stories


Faster than a speeding bullet

Thu, Mar 18 2010 at 1:38 PM EST

Spain's high-speed rail ridership takes off.


Biodiesel lobby: EU understates emissions from oil

Thu, Mar 18 2010 at 1:30 PM EST

Fossil fuels and renewable fuels would not be treated on equal footing under proposal, European Biodiesel Board says.


Black carbon and the forgotten 50%

Thu, Mar 18 2010 at 3:26 AM EST

Scientists testified today on Capitol Hill about the quick fix for global warming -- eliminating black carbon.


EPA says to ease carbon rules on small business

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 5:03 PM EST

New threshold would exempt hospitals, big buildings, and schools, but not heavy industry like coal-burning power plants.


Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut emissions

Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 5:51 PM EST

World's largest retailer has already reduced its own emissions; now, it's taking aim at the life cyle of its products.


New energy-efficient lighting technology contains no mercury

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 6:10 PM EST

Researchers use nanofibers to create lights that are more energy-efficient than the common incandescent light bulb, more eco-friendly than a CFL — and they give off a warm white light, too.


Texas challenging EPA's greenhouse gas finding

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 5:53 PM EST

The Lone Star state is asking the EPA to reconsider its ruling that greenhouse gases are dangerous to people.


Slower ships reduce emissions

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 3:23 PM EST

Some shipping companies have embraced 'slow steaming' as a way to lower costs and reduce their carbon footprint.


Oil firms drop out of group lobbying for U.S. climate bill

Tue, Feb 16 2010 at 5:55 PM EST

Companies that formed blueprint last year say current proposal would hurt them.


Canada dilutes target for greenhouse emissions cut

Mon, Feb 01 2010 at 12:01 PM EST

In a letter to the United Nations, Canada says it's committed to a 17 percent cut in emissions, falling in line with U.S. targets.


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