Easterbrook makes an independent analysis of air pollution trends. Over all the Clean Air Act has been more effective at reducing pollutants than expected. The Bush administration's back-peddling has reduced the rate of decline but the decline remains in place. Except for greenhouse gases.

"If voters incorrectly believe that smog and acid rain are running wild, they will want attention focused on those short-term priorities. If voters understand that all regular forms of air pollution are in decline anyway, they may support shifting the spotlight to greenhouse gases, where the danger is. And voters "

In the political rhetoric both sides are misstating the facts. The Bush administration needs to be honest about the troubling greenhouse gases. And the opposition needs to be honest about how the air quality continues to improve.