The Baltimore and Washington areas are the two smoggiest cities on the East Coast, according to a report released Wednesday. The neighboring metro areas also tied for sixth in the nation, topped by five cities in California, said the report from advocacy group Environment Maryland.
Baltimore and Washington had 33 days last year and 23 days from Jan. 1 until Aug. 21 this year in which ozone, the main component of smog, exceeded federal standards, according to the report. It said ozone was a problem an additional 17 days under more stringent standards, which the group supports. President Obama recently decided not to require the more stringent pollution controls, after businesses and other groups complained they would hurt the faltering economy.
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