Why do we regulate?
At the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, it’s our job to keep the air clean and healthy, and to protect the public from nuisance issues such as odors and dust that detract from quality of life. Although businesses contribute a much smaller percentage of air pollution than they did 30 years ago, regulations are necessary to ensure we maintain those gains.
We regulate typical heavy-industry like cement plants, foundries, industrial boilers, and asphalt plants, as well as many smaller businesses that individually do not emit large quantities of air pollutants. This is because even comparatively small businesses like gas stations and spray-coating facilities cumulatively can have a major impact on our air quality.
We also regulate activities the generate odors, which could be a nuisance to neighboring communities. This includes commercial composting facilities and animal rendering plants, as well as coffee roasters.
