Air Quality
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Air Quality Program seeks to address our region’s growing air quality issues and inform, educate and alert individuals, businesses and organizations of the actions they can take to reduce air pollution.
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| Download this free air quality update tool for your website. | | Watch this brief video to learn about the Air Quality Index, a scale used to report daily air pollution levels. | |
Daily Forecasts
MORPC carefully monitors ground-level ozone and particle pollution levels, and issues daily air quality forecasts for central Ohio, focusing on the counties failing to meet health standards set by U.S. EPA. When there is a potential for high pollution levels, an Air Quality Alert may be issued--at first for sensitive groups and then for everyone else as levels get higher. Alerts are based on the National Air Quality Index. Use MORPC's air quality forecasts to help you plan ahead and protect your health. Read more about the health effects of air pollution.
Keeping You Informed
There are several ways you can find out what the air quality levels are to reduce your exposure and take action to help reduce pollution:
- Sign up for free EnviroFlash emails.
- Call the Central Ohio Air Quality Hotline at 1-888-666-1009.
- Check the weather section of the Columbus Dispatch.
- Follow MORPC on Twitter or Facebook.
Data
Keep tabs on current air pollution levels and find central Ohio air quality information from previous years:
Congratulations to the 2009 Clean Air Award recipients! Four local groups received honors for doing their part to improve central Ohio's air quality.
Nominations for 2010 awards will be accepted in February.
Clean Diesel Program
MORPC recognizes the important role diesel equipment plays in Ohio’s economy and the need to reduce emissions from the mobile sector. MORPC and its partners, Clean Fuels Ohio and The Ohio Environmental Council, can work with your community, school or business to recommend emissions control technology investments and alternative fuels to save money and improve air quality, as well identify clean diesel funding opportunities. Contact David Abel at 614.233.4197 for more information. State and Federal Clean Diesel Grant Opportunities (pdf)
Air Quality and Energy Working Group
The Air Quality and Energy Working Group provides leadership and guidance to MORPC staff. The committee consists of representatives throughout central Ohio (local government, nonprofit organizations and private interests). Meeting dates are listed on the calendar. Committee Chair is Judy Kress, Director of Research and Evaluation at The Breathing Association. Contact Ashley Lester at 614-233-4168 for more information.
Meeting Summary
