Which of the following is a strategy Houston has implemented to combat increasing ozone pollution?

• A. Encouraging the use of coal-fired power plants
• B. Promoting carpooling and expanding public transportation options
• C. Subsidizing gasoline purchases for residents
• D. Reducing property taxes for industrial facilities

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of ozone pollution, which is primarily caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial sources releasing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Step 2: Recognize that strategies to combat ozone pollution typically focus on reducing these emissions, especially from transportation and industrial activities.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by considering whether it would likely increase or decrease emissions contributing to ozone pollution. For example, encouraging coal-fired power plants would increase pollution, while promoting carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, thus lowering emissions.
4. Step 4: Identify that promoting carpooling and expanding public transportation options directly reduce vehicle emissions by decreasing the number of single-occupancy vehicles, which is a common and effective strategy to combat ozone pollution.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, promoting carpooling and expanding public transportation is the strategy Houston has implemented to address increasing ozone pollution.