Coal plants emitted more pollution during U.S. shutdown
Coal plants increased particulate pollution by 15-20% during the 2018-2019 U.S. government shutdown when EPA inspectors were furloughed.
Why it matters
- Shows the importance of continuous monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Highlights potential health risks from increased particulate matter pollution.
By the numbers
- 15-20% increase in particulate matter pollution during the shutdown.
- Nearly 600 EPA pollution inspectors furloughed.
- Data analyzed from more than 200 coal-fired power plants.
The big picture
- Environmental regulations are only as effective as their enforcement.
- Without monitoring, coal plants may increase pollution levels, affecting public health.
What they're saying
- A personal anecdote supports the study's findings, noting similar behavior in a chemical plant when monitoring was absent.
Caveats
- Study focuses on a specific period and circumstances (the government shutdown).
- Further research may be needed to confirm findings.
What’s next
- Future research could explore long-term effects of lapses in enforcement and how to prevent them.