State air-quality agencies' report tracks pollution control progress

April 17, 2017

State and local air-quality agencies have made steady progress in virtually every air-pollution control measurement, the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) said as it released a new report on Apr. 17.

“The Greatest Story Seldom Told: Profiles & Success Stories in Air Pollution Control” includes key metrics from concentrations of criteria pollutants like ground-level ozone and air releases of toxic chemicals to compliance and enforcement activity and operating permit renewals, the Lexington, Ky., organization said.

“Air quality has improved dramatically, and ambient air monitoring data continues to reveal the downward trend of air pollutants. It is, perhaps, the greatest story seldom told, and one that is certainly worth telling,” noted AAPCA Pres. Sean Alteri, who directs Kentucky’s Division for Air Quality.

The report noted that:

• As of 2015, combined emissions of the six criteria air pollutants for which there are national ambient air quality standards were down 71% since 1970.
• During 2005-15, reported toxic air releases were down 56%, or more than 851 million lb., and AAPCA’s 40 state members accounted for nearly two thirds of the total reduction...

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