Florida has achieved compliance with all federal air quality standards for the fifth year in a row, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The state is currently the most populous in the nation to reach this milestone, which DEP attributes to robust air quality monitoring systems, effective pollution controls, and collaboration among various partners.
“Florida’s continued success in meeting federal air quality standards shows that protecting our environment goes hand-in-hand with supporting a strong economy,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By working with communities, businesses and partners across the state, we’re keeping our air clean, our residents healthy and our economy thriving.”
The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six major pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Since 2000, Florida has seen a 78 percent decrease in industrial emissions. Ozone levels have dropped by nearly half over the past two decades as well. These improvements are credited to ongoing cooperation between DEP and stakeholders focused on reducing emissions.
Florida operates one of the largest air quality monitoring networks in the country. The system includes 180 monitors at 90 locations statewide and meets or exceeds federal guidelines for data collection.
Residents can access daily Air Quality Index updates through DEP’s Air Quality Today webpage or via AirNow.gov.
