Primary objective: Eliminate air toxics, criteria pollutants, and persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBT)
Our air will be cleaner when more of us are walking, biking, and bus riding. Reducing energy use can reduce the amount of burned coal that contributes to sulfur dioxides, mercury, and particulates in our air and our neighbors' air, too.
Clean Air Indicators
State of Our Environment
The US EPA regulates six criteria pollutants: ozone; particulate matter; nitrogen oxides (NOx); sulfur dioxides (SOx); lead; and carbon monoxide. There are no monitors for Nox, SOx, or carbon monoxide. The levels of ozone in our air is out of attainment with national air quality standards (NAAQS). As development around Ann Arbor increases – especially low-density, auto-dependent development — we can expect to see higher levels of air pollution in Ann Arbor. The Environmental Protection Agency also has designated Washtenaw County “out of attainment” for PM2.5. In September 2004, the Detroit Area (including Washtenaw County) was reclassified by EPA from moderate to marginal non-attainment for ozone. Marginal areas must attain no later than June 2007. It is likely that new ozone regulations will mean the Ann Arbor area will be required to implement more stringent methods to reduce ozone levels.
SEMCOG is the designated local air quality planning agency under the federal Clean Air Act. SEMCOG is responsible for working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in developing plans and programs that comply with federal Clean Air Act standards. Efforts are geared toward improving the quality of life in Southeast Michigan by attaining and maintaining air quality standards in as cost-effective a manner as possible. The Clean Air Act requires each state to have a State Implementation Plan (SIP). A SIP is a collection of the regulations and programs a state will use to attain and/or maintain federal air quality standards.
Other Indicators Related to Clean Air
What the City of Ann Arbor is Doing
- Participation in the SEMCOG Task Force on Clean Air
- Mass transportation millage that supports Ann Arbor Transportation Authority
- Creation of Clean Energy Coalition
- Department of Energy Clean Cities Program to increase use of cleaner alternative fuels
- Expanding biking lanes, bike paths and improving pedestrian access
- Green Fleets policy to reduce municipal fuel use 10% by 2012
- City chippers are retrofitted with catalytic converters for reduced emissions
- SEMCOG High Emitter Program
You Can Help
- Walk, bike, or use public transportation. Tele-conference instead of driving to meetings.
- If you drive, maintain your vehicle. A well-tuned car emits less pollution. Drive at moderate speeds and avoid "jack rabbit" starts and stops. Avoid topping off your tank when refueling - it leads to spills.
- Check for Ozone Action Alerts. Sign up for Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's EnviroFlash for automated email updates and ozone alerts in your area . Consider car-pooling or taking public transportation, especially when ozone alerts are in effect. Defer using other gas powered lawn equipment on an Action! Day. Small engines usually have inefficient emission-control systems. Also, avoid idling at fast food restaurants, banks or other locations on Action! Days.
- Save electricity. Adjust air conditioner temperature a few degrees higher. Turn off appliances & lights when not in use. Purchase energy efficient appliances and products.
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