Houston’s air quality could significantly improve if people transition to electric vehicles – Houston Public Media
AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
A University of Houston study shows en masse electric vehicle adoption will positively impact air quality in America’s largest cities—including Houston.
High traffic volume is why New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston consistently fail to meet air quality standards. The UH study found switching to EVs in Houston could stop 157 premature deaths each month. Dr. Ali Mousavinezhad co-authored the report.
“The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and create a sustainable mass transportation ecosystem,” he said.
Building such an infrastructure involves a public works operation not seen since the 1950s.
“The cost for such an infrastructure buildout can be substantial involving billions of dollars in investments,” Mousavinezhad said. “This includes the development of charging stations, upgrading the power grid, obviously, manufacturing EVs, and building new public transit systems.”
The report states the FullEV scenario could see health savings of $51-$249 million daily. But before people can recognize the benefits of cleaner air, it’s going to take time.
“Full implementation can vary, but currently it spans over maybe 10 to 30 years,” Mousavinezhad said. “Mostly it depends on locations and policies.”
Like Los Angeles, Houston has air quality issues unique to it.
“Houston, like many, many cities with industrial activity, faces environmental challenges related to air, water quality and soil contamination,” Mousavinezhad says. “And the petrochemical and refining industries are essential to the local economy, providing jobs and economic support to the community.
“However, due to emissions from pollutants like NOX and particulate matter, addressing these challenges involves working collaboratively with these industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices—improve emission controls and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.”
It’s a tall order, but Mousavinezhad feels confident clean air through electrification of transportation and beyond is attainable.
“The goal is to balance economic benefits with environmental protection and ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all residents.”
Read the full report here.
