EPA uses Reagan’s killer tree theory

Ronald Reagan was much ridiculed by environmentalists for making the point that trees are a major source of volatile organic compounds (hydrocarbons) in the air, and therefore contributors to smog. Smog is created by chemical reactions of HCs and NOXs (nitrous oxides) in hot sunny conditions. There is no scientific doubt about the accuracy of Reagan’s point. A National Academy of Sciences panel of the leading experts in the field had said that such natural sources of ozone (smog) precursors place limits on how far clean air goals can be achieved. It pointed out for example that Atlanta would probably be in non-attainment even without any human presence at all, because of its peculiar natural conditions. Still Reagan had suggested a ridiculous ‘killer tree’ theory, his ‘green’ critics said.

Now we’ve come full circle, the Greening Earth Society, global warming skeptics, point out. The USEPA has embraced the ‘killer tree’ theory. In its recently released Climate Change Outreach Kits, USEPA argues that increasing levels of carbon dioxide will stimulate more vigorous plant growth around the world and cause trees to release more ‘polluting’ volatile organic compounds!

Well then to save the earth, we’ll just have to bulldoze more trees and pave over more, eh? (www.greeningearthsociety.org)