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California’S Fight For Clean Air, Laura Tracey

Environmental Law Journal blog

Visible air pollution, known colloquially as “smog,” is responsible for clouding the horizons of cities all over the world. Smog forms when nitrous oxides react with sunlight, creating airborne particles which contribute to global warming and harm the health of humans, animals, and plant life. Car exhaust is one of the biggest contributors of nitrous oxide, and specific geographic and climate patterns can exacerbate the effects of the resulting smog. With approximately 14.5 million registered vehicles in the state and a climate perfect for harboring air pollution, most Californians have seen the telltale hazy skyline at some point in their …