For the first time in 30 years, Birmingham has attained acceptable air quality standards, the Birmingham News reports.
The new status reflects efforts by city and health officials to cut particulates that typically come from car exhaust, coal-fired generating plants and heavy industry.
While lauding the city’s success, Keith Johnson, of the Southern Environmental Law Center, told the News that the EPA has recently adopted more stringent standards, which could put the city back on the unacceptable list.
Environmental attorney David Ludder told the News: “The recent attainment of federal air quality standards for particulate matter in Birmingham is welcome news, but the public should not be lulled into thinking Birmingham’s air is now safe, ” adding that the “attainment” status reflects only some potential air quality hazards.
Nedra Bloom
