Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth year in a row, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The state is currently the most populous in the country to achieve this milestone. DEP attributes this accomplishment to robust air quality monitoring, effective pollution controls, and cooperation with various partners.
“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.”
The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution, and sulfur dioxide. Since 2000, industrial emissions in Florida have dropped by 78 percent. Ozone levels have also decreased by nearly half over the past two decades. These improvements are credited to ongoing collaboration between DEP and stakeholders.
Florida operates one of the largest air quality monitoring networks in the nation. The system includes 180 monitors at 90 sites statewide and meets or exceeds federal requirements.
Residents can view daily Air Quality Index (AQI) updates through DEP’s Air Quality Today webpage as well as on AirNow.gov.
