Major accomplishments since the Clean Air Act was enacted in 1970.
Accomplishments and Successes of Reducing Air Pollution from Transportation in the United States
To ask a question or learn how you can contribute to Air Quality solutions, use the SPG Volunteer Interest Form. A volunteer leader will get back to you.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Be Informed and Be Involved
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
- Contact your elected officials
- Participate in EACs
- Promote Stories/Case studies of what people are doing
BACKGROUND
Breathing Easy? The Truth About Air Quality in Southeastern PA
Air is something we all share, but in Southeastern Pennsylvania, not everyone breathes the same quality of air. Our region faces severe air pollution challenges from heavy traffic on I-76 and the PA Turnpike to industrial emissions in the Delaware River corridor.
Counties like Philadelphia, Delaware, and Bucks consistently rank among the worst in the state for ozone and fine particulate matter, pollutants linked to asthma, heart disease, and other serious health issues. And climate change is making it worse: hotter summers mean more smog and longer allergy seasons.
Children, seniors, and people living near highways or industrial sites are especially at risk. The good news is that we have solutions, and people's power can make a difference.
Whether we push for cleaner transit, plant trees, switch to renewable energy, or hold polluters accountable, we can clear the air together.
EPA
The EPA develops air quality plans to help states or tribes attain and/or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants and fulfill other requirements of the Clean Air Act. These plans are called Federal Implementation Plans (FIP). EPA also develops Air Quality Action Plans to provide a framework for addressing a specific air-pollution problem.
The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is a comprehensive document that describes the motivations for air quality management, qualitative and quantitative findings on the impacts of air pollution, and targeted actions and a path forward for mitigating sources of air pollution. Basic Information about Air Quality FIPs | US EPA
A Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) is an air quality plan developed by the EPA under certain circumstances to help states or tribes attain and/or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants and fulfill other requirements of the Clean Air Act.
EPA is required to develop an FIP if a state fails to submit a complete implementation plan or if EPA disapproves of a plan as not meeting Clean Air Act requirements. EPA may also develop an FIP for tribal lands if a tribe does not appropriately build its implementation plan.
Bucks County
In the spring of 2022, the Bucks County Planning Commission applied for and was accepted to participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s, Local Climate Action Program (LCAP). Climate Action Plan | Bucks County, PA
On the Bucks County website the following summary is provided showing Bucks County’s emissions were calculated to be approximately 6.1 MMT CO2e per year. This was divided into 6 use categories including Commercial & Industrial Energy (29%), Residential Energy (24%), Transportation (39%), Solid Waste (6%), Agriculture (2%), as well as Water & Wastewater (1%). Climate Action Plan | Bucks County, PA
TMA Bucks (Transportation Management Association) has partnered with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to promote the Air Quality Partnership in Bucks County. This program aims to raise awareness about air quality issues and encourages businesses and organizations to take steps to reduce air pollution, such as appointing representatives to receive daily air quality forecasts and informing employees about Air Quality Action Days. Air Quality Action! | TMA Bucks
Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania, has developed a comprehensive Climate Action Plan. News Flash • County Leaders Discuss Direction of Chester County aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing air quality. Adopted by the County Commissioners on October 7, 2021, this plan serves as a blueprint for both county government operations and the broader community to address climate change and its associated impacts.
Poor air quality may have greater impact on sensitive groups of people such as young children, older adults and those with existing respiratory problems. However, particulates like wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. Even someone who is healthy can get sick if there is enough smoke in the air. Breathing in smoke can have many health effects. Air Quality | Chester County, PA - Official Website
TMACC (Transportation Management Association of Chester County) represents all of Chester County and continues to advocate for sustainable transportation practices and connectivity. TMACC’s membership represents more than 20,000 commuters and includes a range companies including those with a focus on engineering, planning, law, consumer goods, finance, hospitality, education and more.
Delaware County
In February 2020, the Delaware County Council recognized its commitment to a more sustainable Delaware County through the creation of the Delaware County Sustainability Commission. Charged with providing recommendations regarding best environmental and energy practices, the group worked diligently with Office of Sustainability staff to create a comprehensive plan for a more sustainable Delaware County.
Published in August 2023, Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County lays the framework for a sustainable and resilient Delaware County that protect the most vulnerable residents from the impacts of climate change.
Montgomery County
Climate change threatens the health, safety, and overall well-being of communities across the globe, with communities in Montgomery County and the rest of Southeastern Pennsylvania being no exception. Acknowledging the threat posed by climate change and the fact that climate risks do not stop at jurisdictional boundaries, the Montgomery County Consortium of Communities partnered with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to begin working towards a regional approach to addressing climate change and its impacts. MCA2050: A Montgomery County Climate Action Plan | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website
MONTCO Climate Action 2050 MCA2050 provides guidance on planning for the future and what steps can be taken to improve air quality.
The Partnership TMA (Transportation Management Association) of Montgomery County is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3), established in 1993. In collaboration with 150+ partners we develop and deliver impactful programs and services. Partnership TMA provides guidance on air quality initiatives that can be achieved through in the transportation sector. About - The Partnership TMA of Montgomery County
City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. While there isn't a standalone "Clean Air Plan," the city's efforts are encapsulated within broader strategies and programs. The Office of Sustainability provides a Philadelphia Climate Action Playbook resources | Office of Sustainability | City of Philadelphia, which details the steps Philadelphia is taking to reduce emissions and adapt to a hotter, wetter future.
The introduction of the Philadelphia Climate Action Playbook has a Letter from the Mayor stating the commitment to clean air and climate change. “When the Trump Administration decided to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, we committed Philadelphia to staying the course. We committed to reducing our carbon pollution and moving towards 100 percent renewable energy. This year, I committed us to going even farther to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—a goal we know we must meet to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.” Philadelphia-Climate-Action-Playbook.pdf January 2001 page 3.
The city offers a dedicated page, "Get involved | Office of Sustainability | City of Philadelphia," which provides valuable information for those interested in making a difference.
DVRPC (Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission)
The DVRPC Air Quality Programs | DVRPC region does not meet federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone and previously did not meet the standards for particle pollution. The Clean Air Act requires DVRPC to demonstrate that projects and programs in the TIP and Long Range Plan do not cumulatively harm air quality. DVRPC also administers the Air Quality Partnership and the Ozone Action program. The Partnership is a public-private coalition that educates the public about the health effects of air pollution and what can be done to reduce pollution levels.
DVRPC maintains a calendar of outside events related to the planning community for the benefit of our partners and website visitors. To have your event added to this calendar, please contact the Office of Communications and Engagement.