Florida Marks Fifth Straight Year of Clean Air, Says DEP
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that the state has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth straight year. Florida is the most populous state in the country to reach this milestone, highlighting the success of strong monitoring programs, effective pollution controls, and collaboration with partners across the state.
“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.”
Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six pollutants that can harm people and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Since 2000, Florida has reduced industrial emissions by 78 percent, and ozone levels—the state’s most widespread air pollutant—have dropped nearly 50 percent. This progress reflects years of cooperation between DEP and stakeholders to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Florida also operates one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, with 180 monitors at 90 locations statewide. The network meets or exceeds federal requirements and provides accurate, real-time information for communities and residents.
Floridians can track daily Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions in their area through DEP’s Air Quality Today webpage, as well as AirNow.gov.
