It’s another hot, sunny, blue-sky day in Denver. The air is still and looks clear! Despite the beautiful day, you may feel irritation in your throat or a tightness in your chest while out walking the dog, at the park, riding your bike, or on an afternoon run. Your asthma may also be acting up.

This is likely the impact of ground-level ozone: the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem each summer. We can’t see or smell it, but this pollutant accumulates the most on hot and sunny blue-sky days, reaching its highest levels in the afternoons and evenings.

While ozone serves an important purpose high up in the atmosphere — protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation — at ground level, high concentrations of ozone are unhealthy. Ozone makes it difficult to breathe, increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections, and exacerbates respiratory ailments such as asthma.

High ozone levels affect all of us. Even if you are healthy, ozone can impact the cells in your lungs during and after exposure, like sunburn, and repeated exposure over time can lead to reduced lung function. The people at higher risk of exposure or more sensitive to this air pollution include the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes, and especially children, whose lungs are still developing.

Where does this air pollution come from? Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms in the air when two chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react in the sunshine and heat of summer days. These chemicals are called ozone precursors, and they are released into the air from emissions made by our gas-powered vehicles, gas-powered lawn equipment, and oil and gas production across the Front Range.

Both colorless and odorless, ozone is different than wildfire smoke, tiny particulate matter called PM2.5 or PM10, and the visible Denver “brown cloud” of years past. However, ozone can combine with other air quality issues, and is sometimes referred to as “smog.”

While air quality in the Front Range has improved over the years, ozone remains a pressing issue to our health and environment. But, we all have the power to reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range each summer!

First, sign up for ozone alerts. Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org to sign up for emails or text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to receive air quality alerts on your phone. When the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) forecasts a high ozone day, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will send you a timely text or email to let you know.

On high ozone days, protect your health by avoiding outdoor exercise or heavy exertion between noon and 8 p.m. Still want to get outside? Plan ahead and spend time outside in the morning, or later in the evening, when ozone levels will be lower.

Second, reduce your emissions! Take some Simple Steps for Better Air: Skip two car trips per week by carpooling, combining errands, or taking the bus or the light rail to get where you need to go. Don’t forget: youth ride for free on RTD! For shorter distances, leave the car at home and walk, ride a scooter, or your bike or e-bike.

Fuel up your car after 5 p.m. to avoid releasing emissions during the heat of the day. Skip idling your car: instead, roll down the windows and turn off the engine while waiting in parking lots or lines. Consider a low- or zero-emissions vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.

Mow the lawn after 5 p.m. if you still use gas-powered equipment. Even better, upgrade your old gas lawn mower, trimmer, or leaf blower to a new electric one with a 30% state discount at participating retailers this year!

And if your job can be done remotely, work from home at least one day a week and eliminate your commute altogether.

Taking these timely, simple steps in the summer improves our Front Range air quality, our health, and our ability to enjoy the outdoors! Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org for more information about how to reduce your ozone impact this summer and help your community breathe easier.

Simple Steps. Better Air. is a program of the Regional Air Quality Council. 

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the Front Range’s lead air quality planning agency. We create plans for the state to improve air quality and meet goals set by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The RAQC also runs programs that work to reduce air pollution and improve public health in the greater Denver metro.

Sometimes, when an industrial facility faces fines, we receive those monies to put back into the community. As a result, this summer is your chance to upgrade your gas-powered lawn mower to a clean, quiet, electric option — and help improve the health of your family and community.

Gas-powered mowers have an oversized negative impact on our air quality. They contribute especially to the formation of ground-level ozone, which you cannot see or smell, but is bad for you to breathe. In fact, operating a gas-powered mower for just an hour contributes the equivalent air pollution of driving a car from Denver to Utah. When you use a gas mower, you also breathe in high levels of harmful air pollutants that are released right next to you. But you can improve the air quality in your backyard this year, almost for free.

Utilizing industrial fines, the RAQC is hosting events for residents of targeted communities to trade in old gas-powered equipment for a new electric mower. By also using a new Colorado state discount, you can receive an electric mower that retails for over $400 mostly free – you will only need to pay the tax. This is usually less than $40 for a $400 mower.

There will be multiple models of electric mowers available at these events available for just the tax. If you prefer to purchase a higher end model mower, you just pay the difference after the discounts provided.

This program is open to residents of the following zip codes: 80022, 80024, 80221, 80640, 80229, 80260, 80216, 80205, 80211, 80207, 80238, 80239, 80249.

Denver and Adams County residents: check out the zip codes above to see if you qualify!

You don’t need to sign up in advance. Simply show up at one of the events we’re hosting with locally owned Ace Hardware stores with your old gas mower, with the ability to bring home a mower. Electric models are about the same size and weight as your old gas equipment. While you must live in one of the zip codes listed, you do not need to live in the specific community of the event. Please bring an ID, utility bill, or other proof of your residency in one of the specified zip codes.

Please note that you *do* need to bring a gas-powered mower for us to recycle to participate. While our partners at ACE can drain them on-site, if you are able, please drain the oil and gas from your old mower before arriving, as it will allow for a smoother day-of process.

All events are 9am – 1pm. There are a limited number of vouchers available for each event.

April 13, 2024: Commerce City Ace Hardware, 6900 Eudora Dr, Commerce City, CO 80022

April 20, 2024: Mile High Ace Hardware & Garden, 2700 W 104th Ave, Federal Heights, CO 80234

April 27, 2024: Chambers Place Ace Hardware, 4830 Chambers Road Denver  CO 80239

Please visit mowdownpollution.org for updates on times and locations. This program utilizes one-time funding, and this offer is only available as funding permits. Funds will be exhausted in the first three events, and there will not be a fourth (which was previously listed).

Meeting Colorado’s air quality goals takes all of us. Regulators and advisory groups are working on reducing industrial air pollution, but reducing individual gas emissions, like those from gas-powered mowers and cars, can help cut the ozone causing pollution on the Front Range in half! Plus, electric mowers are much quieter, require less maintenance, and you will no longer have to buy or handle gas. Upgrading your personal lawn mower from gas to electric can make a really big difference for air quality in your community, as well as for the health of you and your family.

Please visit mowdownpollution.org and select “residential program” or email mowdownpollution@raqc.org for more information.

This project was undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for alleged violations of federal laws.

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Mejore la Calidad del aire para Su Familia y Comunidad con un Cortacésped Eléctrico Gratuito

El Consejo Regional de Calidad del Aire (RAQC) es la principal agencia de planificación de la calidad del aire de Front Range. Creamos planes para que el estado mejore la calidad del aire y cumpla con los objetivos establecidos por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA). El RAQC también ejecuta programas que trabajan para reducir la contaminación del aire y mejorar la salud pública en el área metropolitana de Denver.

A veces, cuando una instalación industrial enfrenta multas, recibimos ese dinero para devolverlo a la comunidad. Como resultado, este verano es su oportunidad de actualizar su cortadora de césped a gasolina por una opción eléctrica, silenciosa y limpia, y ayudar a mejorar la salud de su familia y su comunidad.

Las cortadoras de césped que funcionan con gasolina tienen un impacto negativo enorme en la calidad del aire. Contribuyen especialmente a la formación de ozono a nivel del suelo, que no se puede ver ni oler, pero que es perjudicial para la respiración. De hecho, operar una cortadora de césped a gasolina durante solo una hora contribuye a la contaminación del aire equivalente a conducir un automóvil de Denver a Utah. Cuando utiliza una cortadora de césped a gasolina, también respira altos niveles de contaminantes atmosféricos nocivos que se liberan justo a su lado. Pero este año puedes mejorar la calidad del aire en tu patio trasero, casi gratis.

Utilizando multas industriales, RAQC está organizando eventos para que los residentes de las comunidades objetivo intercambien equipos viejos que funcionan con gasolina por una cortadora de césped eléctrica nueva. Al utilizar también un nuevo descuento del estado de Colorado, puede recibir una cortadora de césped eléctrica que se vende por más de $400, en su mayoría gratis; solo tendrá que pagar el impuesto. Suele ser menos de 40 dólares.

Habrá varios modelos de cortadoras de césped eléctricas disponibles en estos eventos disponibles solo por el impuesto. Si prefiere comprar un cortacésped de modelo superior, solo pagará la diferencia después de los descuentos proporcionados.

Este programa está abierto a residentes de los siguientes códigos postales: 80022, 80024, 80221, 80640, 80229, 80260, 80216, 80205, 80211, 80207, 80238, 80239, 80249.

No es necesario registrarse con antelación. Simplemente preséntese en uno de los eventos que organizamos con Ace Hardware con su vieja cortadora de césped a gasolina, con la posibilidad de llevarse una cortadora a casa. Los modelos eléctricos tienen aproximadamente el mismo tamaño y peso que sus antiguos equipos de gas. Si bien debe vivir en uno de los códigos postales enumerados, no es necesario que viva en la comunidad específica del evento.

Traiga una identificación, factura de servicios públicos u otra prueba de su residencia en uno de los códigos postales especificados.

Tenga en cuenta también que debe traer una cortadora de césped a gasolina para que la reciclemos para participar.
Si puede, drene el aceite y la gasolina de su vieja cortadora de césped antes de llegar.

Todos los eventos son de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Hay un número limitado de vales disponibles para cada evento.

13 de abril de 2024: Commerce City Ace Hardware, 6900 Eudora Dr, Commerce City, CO 80022

20 de abril de 2024: Mile High Ace Hardware & Garden, 2700 W 104th Ave, Federal Heights, CO 80234

27 de abril de 2024: Chambers Place Ace Hardware, 4830 Chambers Road Denver CO 80239

Visite mowdownpollution.org para obtener actualizaciones sobre horarios y lugares. Este programa utiliza financiación única y esta oferta solo está disponible si la financiación lo permite. Los fondos se agotarán en los primeros tres eventos y no habrá un cuarto (que figuraba anteriormente).

Cumplir los objetivos de calidad del aire de Colorado requiere de todos nosotros. Los reguladores y los grupos asesores están trabajando para reducir la contaminación del aire industrial, pero reducir las emisiones de gases individuales, como las de las cortadoras de césped y los automóviles que funcionan con gasolina, puede ayudar a reducir a la mitad el ozono que causa la contaminación en Front Range. Además, los cortacéspedes eléctricos son mucho más silenciosos, requieren menos mantenimiento y ya no tendrás que comprar ni manipular gasolina. Actualizar su cortadora de césped personal de gasolina a eléctrica puede marcar una gran diferencia en la calidad del aire en su comunidad, así como en su salud y la de su fa

Visite mowdownpollution.org y seleccione “programa residencial” o envíe un correo electrónico a mowdownpollution@raqc.org para obtener más información.

Este proyecto se llevó a cabo en relación con la resolución de una acción de ejecución adoptada por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. por presuntas violaciones de las leyes federales.

Request for Proposal:
Denver Metro/North Front Range 2024-25 Serious Ozone SIP Modeling and Analysis Platform

Mandatory Joint Proposers Teams Meeting:
Thursday, January 25, 2024 – 10:00 am MST

Intent to Submit Deadline:
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 – 4:00 pm MST

Proposal Deadline:
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 3:00 pm MST

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), in Denver, Colorado, in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), is requesting the services of a consulting firm to assist in 2024-25 Serious Ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP) Modeling and Analysis Platform  for the Denver Metro/North Front Range ozone nonattainment area focusing on attaining the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).

View the Request for Proposal (RFP)

Questions on this RFP will be accepted until 3:00 pm MST, Friday, January 26, 2024 via email (tmoore@raqc.org).

The Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) two-month Zero Fare for Better Air (ZFBA) initiative in 2023 led to an estimated reduction of more than 9 million vehicle miles traveled during peak ozone months of July and August. Additionally, estimates show more than 6 million pounds of greenhouse gases were eliminated when individuals opted to use public transit instead of a single occupancy vehicle.

To assess the environmental impact of the 2023 ZFBA initiative, RTD partnered with the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), the lead air quality planning agency for the nine-county Denver Metro/North Front Range Ozone Nonattainment Area. RAQC’s analysis utilized the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model to estimate the initiative’s overall impact on the region’s air quality.

According to RAQC, the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative helped reduce both ozone precursors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which in the presence of heat and sunlight, combine to form invisible but harmful ground-level ozone.

“When public transit is easy to use, people use it more,” said Mike Silverstein, RAQC Executive Director. “Increased public transit use also reduces the top two sources of ground-level ozone precursors in the Front Range: emissions from cars and light trucks, and fuel production by the oil and gas industry to fill those tanks. RTD’s Zero Fare for Better Air initiative helps reduce both our fossil fuel use and the demand for its production, making a positive impact on our local air quality during peak ozone season.”

Read the full release: RTD Zero Fare for Better Air positively impacted greenhouse gas emissions, air quality in July and August