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A recent report by the American Lung Association reveals that air quality in New Jersey has seen significant improvements over the past few years. The report attributes these improvements to enhanced tailpipe emission controls and the closure of coal-powered plants.
The report, titled 'State of the Air', analyzed data from 2020 to 2022 and found mixed results for New Jersey. The Newark-New York City metropolitan area, which includes 13 counties in New Jersey, was ranked 13th worst in the nation for high levels of ozone, a key component of smog. However, this ranking is an improvement from the previous year's report, where the area was ranked 12th worst.
Despite these improvements, New Jersey still faces challenges in air quality. The state has historically struggled with poor air quality due to the prevalence of factories, refineries, power plants, and being a major transportation hub. This has contributed to some of the worst asthma rates in the nation, with an estimated 647,000 adults and 167,000 children suffering from the condition.
The report also highlighted disparities in air quality across different counties in the state. For instance, Bergen County received a failing grade for 11 high ozone days over the three years, while adjacent Passaic County received an A, with no high ozone days.
The report predicts that New Jersey's air quality grades will likely drop next year due to the impact of smoke from Canadian wildfires in 2023. The smoke from these wildfires significantly affected air quality, turning midday blue skies into an orange and brown hue and leading to increased emergency room visits.
Despite these challenges, the report commends New Jersey's efforts to shift away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, greener energy. The state has set a goal for a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035, a move that the American Lung Association believes will contribute to further improvements in air quality.