Clean Air Month: DNR shares emission impacts, reduction steps

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recognizing Clean Air Month, emphasizing the importance of clean air and the impact it has on health and the environment.

Over the last several decades, air quality across Wisconsin has significantly improved, according to a release from the DNR.

“In recent years, however, that trend has slowed,” the DNR said. “Recent rollbacks of federal emission control rules will make it even more difficult to achieve important emissions reductions and protect public health across the state.”

The DNR said one of Wisconsin’s highest air quality priorities continues to be addressing ozone nonattainment.

“Ozone exposure can lead to or worsen numerous health issues, especially for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions,” the DNR stated.

"Long-term nonattainment and exposure to elevated ozone concentrations is a public health concern," said DNR Air Management Director Gail Good. "It also negatively impacts economic development in the state."

“For decades, Wisconsin has implemented statewide rules limiting ozone-causing emissions from power plants and other industrial sources, but resolving nonattainment is difficult because most emissions come from either out-of-state sources or from sources the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls, like cars and trucks,” the DNR said. “Wisconsin sources are responsible for only about 10% of the ozone measured in nonattainment areas, while emissions from other states are responsible for about 50%.”

The DNR said it is focused on science-based strategies to improve air quality and public health outcomes in the nonattainment areas by focusing on the emissions that are causing the problem.

“As the DNR continues to take on air quality challenges, there are ways you can contribute to improving air quality in your community,” the DNR stated. “Driving fewer miles and using cleaner forms of transportation reduces emissions of many pollutants, including those that form ozone. For more tips on reducing emissions and improving air quality around your home and in your community, visit the DNR’s Do a Little, Save a Lot webpage.” 

The DNR provided several ways get involved during Clean Air Month:

• Stay “Air Aware” by viewing the DNR’s air quality data map. The map includes near real-time data from the state’s air monitoring network.
• Subscribe to the DNR's Air News e-newsletter and air quality notices.
• Visit the Air Permit Public Involvement pageto view or provide input on current Air permit actions.
• Read the Air, Air Everywhere Poetry Contest winning poems. This year’s winner will be announced on the Air, Air Everywhere poetry contest webpage.
• Learn about air quality and your health by visiting the DNR’s Air Quality Education and Outreach webpageand review publications and short videos.

Visit the DNR’s Clean Air Month webpage for more resources and information.