Study: Old Vehicles Increase Pollution

WASHINGTON - A study by regional planners is linking the recession to higher levels of air pollution.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments analyzed vehicle registration data taken after the economy plummeted to adjust air quality forecasts, which are federally required.

A drop in new car sales means older vehicles with higher emissions are being driven longer. The study found that vehicles on Washington-area roads are an average of six months older than they were in 2005.

Officials say the aging fleet could push the region close to violating its limits for traffic-related pollutants. The study says tailpipe emissions next year will be up to 7.5 percent higher than projected in previous forecasts.

Some experts say the problem could become a national issue.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.