The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants businesses and residents in Connecticut and the rest of New England to cut their energy and fuel consumption over the next two days as the air quality has reached unhealthy standards.
With the hot weather predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, the demand for electricity will increase and force power plants to increase production, thus burning more fossil fuels. This burning — along with emissions from gasoline-power engines – interacts with sunlight to form smog.
To cut down on fossil fuel emissions from power plants, the EPA is asking businesses and residents to turn air conditioners to a higher temperature, turn off unnecessary lights and computers, and hold off on using major appliances until later hours.
Carpooling, using public transportation, refueling cars at night and avoiding the use of lawn mowers, chain saws and leaf blowers also will reduce smog.
“With more hot weather predicted on Wednesday and Thursday this week, there will likely be unhealthy air quality days in many parts of New England,” said Curt Spalding, administrator of EPA’s New England office, in a statement. “When air quality is poor, EPA and the medical community suggest that people limit their strenuous outdoor activity.”
