All Clean Air Act standards met
Amid the noise and chaos of other headlines, was a very significant piece of news last week: Florida has met all national clean air standards for the first time in more than a decade and is the first among the largest populated states in the country to do so.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified Florida as meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which track six pollutants impacting public health: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. The state has now achieved these standards statewide, having fallen out of compliance back in 2008 with sulfur dioxide and lead standards.
“Achieving our environmental protection goals takes collaboration,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein, in a release. “The work that DEP, along with EPA, has done with industry members in Hillsborough, Nassau and Polk counties has resulted in improved air quality, better protecting public health and the quality of life of our residents and visitors. I am proud of our efforts that have led Florida to this important milestone.”
DEP, in published reports, has said that the specific improvements in Hillsborough and Polk counties were accomplished by working with fertilizer companies and a lead acid battery plant to reduce emissions. Likewise, paper mills north of Jacksonville reduced their pollutant emissions.
Florida Spatial Air Quality System map showing conditions on March 8, 2020. Courtesy, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
DEP boasts that Florida has one of the most robust air quality monitoring networks in the country. The network includes more than 211 monitors at 99 sites and provides scientists with the data needed to ensure Florida’s air quality is in compliance with federal standards. The department’s Spatial Air Quality System allows everyone to access updated air quality data as reported by the statewide network.
LMA Newsletter of 3-9-20
