Readings

EPA’s methyl bromide phase out page http://www.epa.gov.spdpublc/mbr/. (Please read the why’s and when’s of the phase out and the Q and A section. Scan the critical use exemption information to gain a general sense of what this is about. As for the alternatives to MB, look at the US index of alternatives.)

Economic implications of the methyl bromide phase-out http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr/index.html

The Plan English Guide to the Clean Air Act, EPA http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/peg_caa/pegcaain.html

Key Questions

• In which states and for what crops is the methyl bromide use high?
• What is the potential economic impact of phasing out methyl bromide?
• What are the problems associated with adoption of alternatives to methyl bromide?
• What are the roles of the EPA and the state governments in implementing the Clean Air Act?
• How does the 1990 amendment alter the enforcement authority of EPA?
• How are some of the ways in which the Act aims to engage the public and businesses in pollution control?
• How is action taken on non attainment areas with reference to criteria pollutants?
• How does offset trading of criteria pollutants work?
• Does the number of hazardous chemicals polluting air regulated by EPA before and after the 1990 amendment to the Clean Air Act vary?
• What is the approach of the Clean Air Act to reduce vehicular pollution?
• What is the approach of the Clean Air Act to reduce acid rain?
• What is the approach of the Clean Air Act for repairing the ozone layer?
• How does the smoke produced from wood stoves and gas / oil furnaces differ?
• What is the approach of the Clean Air Act for reducing wood burning at homes?