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 country to reach this milestone, which DEP attributes to robust air quality monitoring, effective pollution controls, and cooperation 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 establish 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 reduced industrial emissions by 78 percent. Ozone levels have dropped by nearly half over the past two decades. DEP credits these improvements to ongoing collaboration between its agency and stakeholders focused on reducing emissions.
The state operates an extensive air quality monitoring network that includes 180 monitors at 90 locations statewide. This system meets or exceeds federal guidelines and provides real-time data for public use.
Residents can check daily Air Quality Index (AQI) readings through DEP’s Air Quality Today webpage or via AirNow.gov.
