In 1980  President Reagan said, "Approximately 80 percent of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation." He was widely derided and this statement still is cited as proof of his ignorance of environmental science, by some.
 
Repeatedly, studies have confrimed that trees do, however, contribute to smog. But these reports are underplayed and underreported. Most people have never heard that rees are also polluters.  

A new study confirming Reagan's wisdom has just been released. Since it's important and you are unlikely to see it in the mainstream media, let me draw your attention to its findings: 

The study may help explain why ozone levels have not improved in some parts of the country as much as was anticipated with the enactment of clean—air laws, Purves said. Environmental technologies such as catalytic converters and hoses that collect fumes at gas pumps have substantially reduced human—produced VOCs.

However, in some parts of the country —— particularly the area extending from Alabama up through the Tennessee Valley and Virginia —— these improvements may have been outweighed by increased VOC emissions from forests, mainly because of tree growth in abandoned farmland and increases in plantation forestry.

Since it appears that so much smog is caused by trees, one wonders whether the goal of  seeking substantially greater VOC reductions is feasible.  We are wasting uncounted millions of dollars chasing an unreachable goal.

Clarice Feldman  10 03 04