H.R. 1760 would mitigate the effects of black carbon emissions in the United States and throughout the world.
Detailed Summary
Black Carbon Emissions Reduction Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report to Congress on black carbon (light-absorbing component of carbonaceous aerosols) emissions, including : (1) a summary of current research identifying major sources, control technologies, quantifying metrics, and public health and environmental benefits associated with additional controls; and (2) recommendations regarding emissions monitoring techniques and capabilities, areas for additional study of technologies, operations, and strategies with the greatest potential to reduce emissions, and actions the government may take to encourage or require emission reductions.
Requires the Administrator, within a year, to finalize regulations under the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of black carbon or propose a finding that existing regulations promulgated pursuant to such Act adequately regulate them.
Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on the amount, type, and direction of all present U.S. financial, technical, and related assistance to foreign countries to reduce, mitigate, and abate black carbon emissions.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Linda Karr
May 17, 2009, 3:47pm (report abuse)I support H.R. 1760 Black Carbon Reduction Act of 2009. Black carbon or soot affects me personally as the neighbor of a wood stove user. Wood smoke particulates cause lung and heart disease. Particulates are the 2nd leading cause of global warming, and stopping them is the fastest way to slow climate change. Because of the increase in wood burning for residential heat and hot water in Maine, wood smoke has surpassed auto emissions as the leading particulate in Maine. Alternate forms of heat must be used. The argument that wood burning people are too poor to afford other means of heat is disingenuous and false. One of the persons most seriously affected from a neighbor's smoke I know had a neighbor who intended the his outdoor wood boiler for heating his swimming pool. See http://rawsep.spaces.live.com for the stories of the many people across the U.S. whose health is affected by wood smoke pollution by neighbors, and the particulate pollution by wood burning around the world.