Chicago, Largest City In Illinois, Among Top 10 Worst Polluted Cities In The Nation

Chicago, IL (AHN) - Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is one of the 10 worst polluted cities in the U.S.

The assessment is based on the Chicago Tribune's analysis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. Based on 2005 data, Cook County, where Chicago is located, ranks as most polluted on the list. A steel mill contributes to pollution there.

Will and DuPage Counties host six facilities that belong to the region's worst 50 polluting factories, while Lake County has nine.

Unfortunately for Chicago residents, the air pollution level in most of the nearby counties are still within legal limits under federal regulations and the air pollution index only measures the environment's toxicity, but does not take it away.

What is also alarming is that most of the factories are located quit close to residential communities.

Meanwhile, in Washington, the EPA announced last week the release of the first $3.4 million funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million Diesel Emission Reduction Program.

Three organizations will receive the amount to help small trucking companies reduce their fuel cost and cut their carbon footprint. These are the Community Development Transportation Lending Services in Washington, D.C., the Cascade Sierra Solution in Oregon and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in Missouri.

Chicago, IL (AHN) - The largest city in Illinois is one of the 10 worst polluted cities in the U.S.

The assessment is based on the Chicago Tribune's analysis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. Based on 2005 data, Cook County, where Chicago is located, ranks as most polluted on the list. A steel mill contributes to pollution there.

Will and DuPage Counties host six facilities that belong to the region's worst 50 polluting factories, while Lake County has nine.

Unfortunately for Chicago residents, the air pollution level in most of the nearby counties are still within legal limits under federal regulations and the air pollution index only measures the environment's toxicity, but does not take it away.

What is also alarming is that most of the factories are located quit close to residential communities.

Meanwhile, in Washington, the EPA announced last week the release of the first $3.4 million funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million Diesel Emission Reduction Program.

Three organizations will receive the amount to help small trucking companies reduce their fuel cost and cut their carbon footprint. These are the Community Development Transportation Lending Services in Washington, D.C., the Cascade Sierra Solution in Oregon and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in Missouri.