Lower gas prices can boost gasoline use and air pollution, this is concerning for environmental officials in Pima County.
The county is close to being out of compliance with federal air quality standards for ozone,
the main ingredient in smog, said Beth Gorman, program manager for Pima County Department of Environmental Quality.
According to the regional Pima Association of Governments, every gallon of gasoline burned puts 1.12 pounds of conventional pollutants into the air.
Based on a computer-based forecasting models, Carbon monoxide accounts for 1 pound.
The rest comes from nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter.
That same gallon of gasoline emits 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that the
overwhelming majority of climate scientists have linked to global warming.
Please make your circle of influence aware that just because the price of gas has come down for the time being, we should all continue to make strides towards using less fuel, planning our trips, carpooling when possible and of course using our own tow feet to enjoy the great Tucson weather.