February 04, 2004

By: Yen Hung
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

New cellular phone "#SMOG" number will help fight air pollution

The California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board (ARB) announced today a new system allowing cellular telephone users to dial at no cost "#SMOG" from virtually anywhere in California and report gasoline-powered cars or pickup trucks that are spewing excessive tailpipe smoke.

"This is an opportunity for Californians to advance our leadership in achieving clean air by using new communication technologies," said Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock at today's Earth Day Conservation Fair '97 event.

Strock noted that air pollution control programs have been one of California's great environmental success stories. "In 1970, the year of the first Earth Day celebration, there were 148 smog alerts in the greater Los Angeles area while the summer of 1996 saw just seven smog alerts," said Strock. "We're on the right track, but further improvement is needed. We need the public's help to identify the polluters."

Much of the air quality improvement comes from the ARB working to bring continuing refinements to the air pollution controls and fuels for gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. New cars being offered for sale today in California are more than 90 percent cleaner than the vehicles that drove those first Earth Day celebrants to their teach-ins and other environmental events.

Also See: cell phone comparisons.

Author Notes:

Yen Hung contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.