Researchers from Northwestern University have highlighted the potential benefits of adopting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for air quality improvement in the Chicago area. Their findings were published in the journal Frontiers of Earth Science on March 18.
This research was inspired by California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) policy. Community organization Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions (NET-Z) Illinois collaborated with the scientists to see if similar initiatives could positively impact Cook County and nearby regions.
The team enhanced an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air-quality model to more accurately reflect local pollution levels, incorporating satellite data and insights from community members. This improved model allowed them to predict what air quality might look like under the ACT policy.
Implementing the ACT policy in Illinois could significantly reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. According to the research, this change could prevent 500 premature deaths and around 600 new childhood asthma cases each year. Notably, the neighborhoods that would benefit the most from this policy are those with higher pollution levels and more residents of color, helping address existing racial inequalities in pollution exposure.
Victoria Lang, a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern and lead author of the study, expressed her personal connection to the findings. As someone with asthma, she emphasized the importance of protecting children from preventable diseases linked to air pollution.
Air pollution from vehicles is linked to serious health issues like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. In response, California adopted the ACT in June 2020, aiming to have 50% of certain heavy-duty vehicles on the road be zero-emission by 2050. Other states are now considering similar policies.
“Trucking companies can’t replace their diesel fleets overnight due to cost. The ACT policy incentivizes a gradual shift to electric vehicles as their fleets age,” said Daniel Horton, the study’s senior author.
As NET-Z Illinois wondered about the potential impact of ACT in Chicago, they reached out to Horton’s lab. The team had previously explored scenarios involving heavy-duty electric vehicles in the area but realized there were gaps in their emissions data. Community members suspected that the earlier models underestimated pollution, especially from trucks in certain neighborhoods.
To confirm this, citizen scientists installed cameras to track truck traffic along key routes. The data revealed a far greater volume of truck activity than previously reported, particularly in areas near warehouses and freight facilities. This discrepancy highlighted the need to adjust the emissions model to better reflect real conditions.
After refining their data, the researchers created a detailed snapshot of current air pollution in Cook County and surrounding counties, finding that truck emissions account for roughly 22% of NO2 pollution. In total, these pollutants contribute to 1,330 premature deaths and 1,580 new pediatric asthma cases each year.
By simulating what would happen if the ACT was adopted, they predicted an 8.4% drop in NO2 pollution by 2050, leading to health improvements and potential economic savings of $731 million per year in avoided health care costs.
Communities of color, often situated near busy roads, would see the most significant benefits, with reduced exposure to heavy pollution. As Illinois considers adopting ACT regulations, this research underscores the promise of ZEVs for enhancing public health.
Law Professor Robert Weinstock has been advocating for the ACT with the community groups, while Horton has provided expert insights on the public health implications of electrifying vehicles in Illinois. Their work exemplifies the power of collaborative research between communities and academia.
“It’s up to each state to consider adopting the ACT standard,” Horton stated, stressing that Illinois has a chance to lead in improving health outcomes and contributing to global climate efforts.
The study titled “Assessing air quality, public health, and equity implications of an Advanced Clean Trucks policy for Illinois,” received support from the National Science Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund. For more details, check out the study here: doi.org/10.1007/s11707-024-1144-8.
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Source linkAsthma, Air Pollution, Childhood Asthma, Chronic, Lung Disease, Pollution, Public Health, Research, students
