Editorial: It’s time to tackle pollution

Sunday, Sept. 19, 1999 | 1:25 a.m.

Southern Nevada certainly isn't going to get kudos for devising timely plans to fight air pollution. On Aug. 31 Clark County missed a federal deadline to submit a proposal showing how it will meet national carbon monoxide standards -- fortunately the county was given an 18-month reprieve to finish its plan. Meanwhile, local government officials are busy trying to come up with a federally required plan to reduce the unhealthful levels of dust in the valley; the initial proposal in 1998 was rejected by the Environmental Protection Agency, because it failed to adequately account for the carbon monoxide emissions of the county's airports.

The county should be doing better, but its task isn't easy, as the valley's economic prosperity -- and its corresponding population growth -- contributes to our pollution woes. For instance, it's estimated that 90 percent of the valley's carbon monoxide is generated by motor vehicles, and the thousands of new residents moving here every month with their cars doesn't help matters. And construction, which is driven by growth, is believed to account for about two-thirds of airborne dust.

There are compelling reasons for prompt action. Most importantly, valley residents shouldn't have to breathe unhealthful air. It can be especially dangerous for those with respiratory problems, contributing to death in the most extreme cases. Unfortunately what it takes to get local government's attention on health issues is possible sanctions from the federal government. Failure to come into compliance with EPA standards could result in a loss of federal funds for highways and other government programs. It even might lead to a federal takeover of local air quality programs or a federally mandated ban on new construction in the valley. Some might not like the EPA wielding a financial hammer to get the county to comply with federal health standards, but the sad fact is that if sanctions didn't exist, valley residents likely would continue to breathe unhealt hful air for decades to come.