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Blackout Was Good News, For Pollution

Posted by michael on from the silver-lining dept.

squidfrog writes "In regard to the August blackout, University of Maryland researchers have announced the results of measurements indicating the level of pollution normally caused by power plants in the region of the blackout, which could be measured for the first time by comparing the idle power plants with those still operational. 'Aircraft sampling in the 24 hours following the blackout found a 90 percent drop in sulfur dioxide and a 50 percent cut in ozone levels, while visibility increased by more than 25 miles.'" MSNBC has a related story.

4 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. Re:NPR Radio Story by Alsee · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nah, if we reduce emissions by 50% it just means we can build twice as many!

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    - - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
  2. Re:Proof for the idiots who dont already know it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Well, actually, woolly mammoths do drive Hummers! (where do you think our petrol comes from?--the carbon released by those dead animals.)

  3. Re:Power On, Pollution Off? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Dams can cause concentration of pcb's, mercury and other toxins, dams cause the retention of silt, there are many ways that dams can cause reduction in water quality."

    but, if we die off quicker that'll reduce pollution too, right?

  4. Re:It wasn't like that at my school by fluffy666 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Speaking from the UK.. this is true, and it means that the Norwegans got all of our pollution at no extra charge.