America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.

The decline of air monitors in the US is a concerning trend that has significant implications for environmental accountability, particularly in the context of the solar industry's growth and its reliance on clean air and water. With fewer monitors, communities and regulatory agencies will have less data on air quality, making it more challenging to identify and address pollution from various sources, including those that might impact solar panel efficiency or large-scale solar farm operations.

This issue is especially relevant as the solar industry continues to expand, and large-scale solar farms are being built in areas that might be near existing pollution sources. The reduction in air quality monitoring capabilities can hinder efforts to ensure that solar projects are not sited near polluters, potentially harming both the environment and the solar industry's long-term viability. Moreover, the solar industry's push for clean energy and reduced emissions makes it a natural ally in the fight for stronger environmental regulations and better air quality monitoring.

As this trend continues, it's essential to watch how regulatory agencies, the solar industry, and environmental advocacy groups respond. Key areas to monitor include any legislative or regulatory efforts to address the decline in air monitors, potential partnerships between the solar industry and environmental groups to push for stronger environmental protections, and how the solar industry incorporates environmental considerations into its project development and operations. The intersection of solar energy and environmental accountability will likely become increasingly important as the US continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Originally reported by grist.org. SolarNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.