Phoenix Area Attains the Ozone Air Quality Standard

July 12, 2001

In May, the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Phoenix urban area had met the one-hour federal air quality standards for ozone.

“We can all be proud of the success that we have achieved in our pursuit of cleaner air. By working together, we have managed to do what 75 other areas around the country, representing more than 100 million people, have not; we have met the federal one-hour standard for ground-level ozone.” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Jacqueline E. Schafer, in acknowledging the EPA announcement.

“The cleaner air is a sharp contrast from 1995 when on 11 days air quality monitors recorded ozone readings above the standard.”

The improvements are significant because vehicle and fuel emissions are the largest source of ozone pollution and Valley motorists drive 11 million miles more each day than they did just six years ago.

The state’s vehicle emissions inspection program and the mandatory use of vapor recovery nozzles on gasoline pumps have played major roles in reducing ozone levels. These programs are considered some of the most effective in the nation and a model for other states.

“However, more than government standards to clean the air, citizen efforts are essential. It is important that we all continue to work together because EPA recently announced a more stringent ozone pollution standard,” said Joe Gibbs, city of Phoenix Environmental Programs environmental quality specialist. “It will take all our current programs and development of a few new ones to meet the new standard.”

Residents can help the area maintain the reduced levels by carpooling; taking the bus or telecommuting; refueling and using gasoline-powered equipment after 4 p.m.; and keeping containers of paints, solvents and cleaners tightly enclosed. For more information, call 602-534-1776.

Media Contact:

Marcie Colpas Pager Joe Gibbs

602-262-6164 602-201-7350 602-534-1776