Vermont's Leading Source of Air Pollution

• Motor vehicles are the largest source of toxic and carcinogenic air pollutants in Vermont. Each year, motor vehicles emit about 1,000 tons of toxic and carcinogenic compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and 1,3-Butadiene.(EPA's information sheet on Air Toxics.) Chart of Average Concentration of Motor Vehicle Related Air Toxics Compared to Vermont Standards

• Motor vehicles are the largest source (about 65%) of ozone-forming pollutants (EPA's information sheet on Ozone.) in Vermont. Each year vehicles emit over 117,000 tons of carbon monoxide (EPA's information sheet on Carbon Monoxide), 10,000 tons of hydrocarbons, and 14,000 tons of nitrogen oxides. Chart of Sources of Ozone Forming Pollutants

• The average vehicle emits about half a ton of air pollution each year.

• A vehicle with a malfunctioning or faulty emission control system can emit over 800% more air pollution than a properly operating vehicle. Chart of Vehicle Pollution Versus Maintenance

• As industries have reduced their emissions, motor vehicles have become an increasing portion of the air pollution created in Vermont.

• The number of vehicles and the miles they travel are increasing. Motor vehicles now travel over 6 billion miles annually in Vermont, double the amount traveled in 1972. Chart of Annual Vermont Vehicle Miles Traveled (1994-2010 estimated)