The Clean Air Act (1970) created the provisions for air quality standards and monitoring. The Act requires the federal government to establish standards called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and requires states to develop a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to meet the standard.
Counties in the state that are failing the standard for ozone pollution and particle pollution (have not attained the standard) can face penalties such as E-check, county emission off-sets, and highway funds withheld if compliance is not met.
View the non-attainment map for Ohio particulate pollution.
See if your county is failing the particle pollution standard:
Most of Ohio is now meeting the ozone standard that was set in 1997. However, the U.S. EPA revised this standard in 2008. This new standard is more protective of public health and many of Ohio's counties that met the 1997 standard will not immediately meet the 2008 standard.
Local, state, and federal governments need to take steps to help us reach attainment. However, there are steps you can do to make a difference.
1. Reduce vehicle use. If you have to use your vehicle, try to "bundle" your trips so you get all the trips done in one block of time (versus coming home and going out). Also, try to carpool to work.
2. Don't idle your vehicle. Idling more than ten seconds uses more fuel than turning off the engine. Sign the postcard urging the city of Columbus to adopt a fuel conservation ordinance.
3. Car maintenance. Keep you tires properly inflated; change your air filter regularly; have your car serviced on a regular basis.
4. Fill up after 6 p.m. Filling your tank during hot days contributes to the ozone pollution. Also, do not top off the tank-stop after the first click.
5. Check the air forecast. Be aware of air quality alert day. Check the MORPC website.
5. Go ridin'. Dust off the bicycle and ride to work once (or more) a week and/or go to the grocery store.
6. Tell school districts to clean up their buses. Contact your local school district to determine what they are doing to be green. Ask if they have a no-idling policy for their fleet.
7. Don't burn wood or trash. Burning wood can cause eye irritation, trigger asthma attacks, and headaches. Wood smoke can also aggravate emphysema, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
8. Get involved. Join a local or state group that works on air quality issues. Stay informed of current legislation and make your voice heard!
9. Use less electricity. Most of Ohio's energy comes from coal. Burning coal produces many pollutants. By using less electricity you are creating less pollution.
10. Stay informed. Keep up-to-date on environmental and health issues that affect you by signing up for OEC's e-mail Action Alerts.
For a printable version of this list click here.
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