GOAL 16: Improve the region's air quality by encouraging alternative travel modes and other measures that will limit emissions.
INDICATOR: Air quality performance as measured by regional air quality monitoring stations
Why is this important?
Poor air quality damages human and environmental health, quality of life and the overall attractiveness of the region for economic vitality. Transportation habits, and residential/ commercial development patterns, energy production and industrial processes all affect the air quality of a region.
How are we doing?
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) are federal laws to protect air quality in the United States and ensure that all Americans have the same basic health and environmental protections. The U.S. EPA carries out the mandate of this act by establishing limits on how much of a pollutant can be in the air anywhere in the United States. Areas exceeding the limits are referred to as non-attainment areas and are designated as such by the U.S. EPA. Non-attainment areas must implement certain prescribed emission control measures designed to bring an area into attainment within a specified time frame.
The Atlanta region fails to meet air quality standard for ozone and fine particulate matter.
Air Quality & Transportation
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