The United States and Canada have a long-standing history of cooperation on environmental issues, and the air quality agreement signed in 2016 is yet another example of the two countries coming together to protect the environment and public health.
The agreement, formally known as the Air Quality Agreement (AQA), aims to reduce air pollution from industrial and transportation sources that affect both countries. This includes emissions from transportation, power generation, oil and gas production, and other industrial activities that contribute to smog, acid rain, and other harmful pollutants.
The AQA is an update to a similar agreement signed back in 1991, and it focuses on reducing emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone, and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants have been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, heart disease, and premature death.
One of the key components of the AQA is a commitment to align air quality standards between the two countries. This means that both the United States and Canada will work together to set consistent, science-based standards for air pollutants that are known to be harmful to human health and the environment.
Another important aspect of the AQA is the implementation of new regulations and policies to reduce emissions from industrial and transportation sources. For example, the agreement includes provisions to encourage the use of cleaner fuels and technologies in the transportation sector, as well as measures to reduce emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities.
Overall, the Air Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada is an important step in protecting public health and the environment. By working together to reduce air pollution, both countries can improve the quality of life for their citizens and safeguard the natural resources that we all depend on.
