According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), driving a car is the
single most polluting item that most of us do. Motor vehicles emit millions of tons
of pollutants into the air each year. Pollution control measures have drastically
reduced emissions per vehicle in the past 20 years. However, during that time the
total miles traveled has doubled, resulting in higher levels of air pollutants in
Arizona.
Air pollution threatens both our health and our environment. Sources of pollution
consist of motor vehicles, wood burning stoves and fireplaces, dust from construction,
landfills, and agriculture, wildfire and brush/waste burning, industrial sources,
and windblown dust from open lands.
Air Quality agencies throughout Arizona have developed plans to reduce pollutant
concentrations down to healthful levels. This is a task that can only be accomplished
with your help. The plans include a variety of measures to reduce emissions, including:
- Dust control for roads, construction, and landfills
- Landscaping, barrier, and fencing to reduce windblown dust
- Programs to reduce emission from wood stoves and fireplaces
- Cleaner - burning gasoline and diesel fuels
- Emission control devices for motor vehicles
- Controls for industrial facilities