Take Action on Ozone Now,
Urges Clean Air Agency
Jul. 31, 2006 – The heat wave is behind us for now, but it gave us some very smoggy days. Things could have been worse, however, if it hadn’t been for the actions of businesses and individuals who voluntarily curtailed activities that generate smog-precursors.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency commends them for their efforts – and urges continued action throughout the summer to protect air quality.
“Clean air behaviors can help prevent smoggy days,” said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “Everyday activities like driving, fueling up, and running lawnmowers create the emissions that on hot days can lead to smog. Taking action to reduce pollution can help ensure our ozone levels stay within healthy limits.”
While Puget Sound region ozone levels are currently in attainment with national air quality standards, monitoring sites have already recorded four ozone exceedances this year. Clean Air Agency meteorologists are concerned about how quickly air quality deteriorated during these episodes.
|
“This summer has already shown we can hit unhealthy ozone levels very quickly,” McLerran said. “This is the worst ozone season our region has experienced since 1998 - and the season isn’t over yet.
“That’s why we appreciate corporate participation in our voluntary Smog Watch program - such as the local oil refiners that have voluntarily made smog-reducing gasoline available at the pumps for the summer, and businesses that have implemented commute-trip reduction or anti-idling programs.
“We encourage all businesses and government agencies throughout the area to take action against ozone,” McLerran said.
Some actions for businesses and government agencies include:
-
Reduce commutes. Less commuting equals less pollution. Offer incentives for employees to bus, bike, carpool, or telework.
-
Buy green. When upgrading your fleet, opt for the most fuel-efficient type of vehicle possible, or replace your motor pool with a corporate Flexcar account.
-
Refuel when it’s cool. Adopt an evening refueling policy for your fleet.
-
Quit idling around. Engine idling wastes fuel, causes engine wear, and needlessly pollutes worksites with tailpipe exhaust. Implement an idling reduction program.
-
Mow clean. Using a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour emits the same smog-forming pollution as driving a car 140 miles. Opt for manual or electric yard equipment instead.
“These actions reduce pollution, protect our health, and save money,” McLerran said. “It’s a win-win-win.”
###
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Smog Watch program is a call-to-action issued by the agency during summer hot spells when air quality declines. The program encourages individuals and businesses to reduce their smog-producing activities to help protect public health and ensure the region does not exceed the federal health standard for ozone.
For more information visit www.pscleanair.org .
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is an air quality management agency serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Created as a result of the 1967 Washington Clean Air Act, the agency protects public health and improves air quality by adopting and enforcing air quality regulations, educating individuals and businesses about clean-air choices and sponsoring voluntary initiatives to improve air quality.
