With temperatures expected to hit the sweltering upper-70s today, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has put out the alert for another Spare the Air day today. Yesterday was also declared a Spare the Air day, so we trust none of you were outdoors burning piles of early Autumn leaves or anything ridiculous like that. As usual, the agency would like to remind you to cut down on your smoggy expulsions by taking public transit, carpooling whenever possible. That also means easing up on the aerosol usage (looking at you, street artists and hairstylists). Although the temptation to barbecue may be high on days like today, the air quality experts recommend you refrain from that as well. more ›

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued the a Spare the Air Smog Alert for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 7. While no free-transit magic will happen tomorrow -- or, quite possibly, ever again -- the Air District urges residents to drive less and reduce their energy use in an effort to lower pollutions levels while temperatures rise. more ›

Just what we've always expected, driving in a 2011 BMW X5 is safer and healthier than riding your bike along city streets. According to the Chronicle, "A new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed a link between biking in heavy traffic and heart health risks, with cyclists having heart irregularities in the hours after their exposure to a variety of air pollutants on busy roads." Kind of like how being behind the trigger it safer for you than being in front of the barrel. Got it. more ›

The Environmental Protection Agency today announced that they would be enacting tougher smog restrictions nationwide, which are expected to cost industries tens of billions of dollars to comply with. You may recall that the EPA tried to do this under Dubya, but was thwarted because of his quest to destroy the planet. The new rules are not likely to affect California, which has been at the forefront of de-smogging protections for a while. But as ABC News reports, counties in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Minnesota are all likely to feel the pain of compliance. more ›

As particulate matter from the 850 wildfires has ruined our famously crisp and sought-after air in the Bay Area. On the plus side, though, it has made for some gorgeous sunsets. more ›

Perfect for celebrating Earth Day, Citizen Sugar is offering one lucky winner $500 in gas relief. ("Gas relief." Har.) All you have to do is register and take a brief quiz (e.g., "how much does it cost to fill up a 2008 Hummer 2 [H2]?"), and then you'll be be entered in lottery. And if you win, you'll can temporarily stop whining about the price of gas these days. more ›