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.
“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 mandates that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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’s industrial emissions have dropped by 78 percent. Ozone levels have also been reduced by nearly half over the past two decades. DEP attributes these improvements to ongoing cooperation between the agency and its partners statewide.
The state operates one of the largest air quality monitoring networks in the country, featuring 180 monitors at 90 locations. This network provides real-time data that meets or exceeds federal requirements.
Residents can check daily Air Quality Index conditions through DEP’s Air Quality Today webpage or on AirNow.gov.
