News

  When Mike Silverstein, executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council, first started using an electric lawn mower years ago, he was often teased for using such a quiet, clean machine.   Silverstein said some people would joke, “What are you doing?...

On October 10, 2023, the Regional Air Quality Council presented awards to four Colorado legislators at its first ever clean air happy hour. Senator Winter, Senator Hansen, Representative Bacon, and Representative Willford were recognized as 2023 Clean Air Champions for their vital efforts to maintain a healthy environment and clean air for all Coloradans. These four legislators have all been sponsors and leaders on bills related to air quality legislation in the past year. 

Senator Faith Winter’s leadership in the Senate has supported the past two years of the Zero Fare for Better Air program, allowing residents not only in the Front Range, but across the state to take public transportation for free during the summer months to help reduce air pollution.

Senator Chris Hansen has been a champion for the electrification of lawn and garden and parks equipment, and because of Senator Hansen’s work, residents across the state will see a 30% reduction in the price of electric lawn and garden equipment at participating retailers next year. 

Representative Jennifer Bacon was recognized for her leadership as chair of the Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality, the first committee outside of the normal legislative session focused purely on this issue, as well as for her leadership on multiple bills.

Representative Jenny Willford, who also helped create and serves on the interim ozone committee, was recognized for her initiative and commitment to the issue of air quality, championing bold legislation in her first term, as well as for her work on appliance standards, ensuring improvements to indoor, as well as outdoor air quality. 

Learn more about RAQC Clean Air Champions: raqc.org/program/regional-air-quality-councils-clean-air-champions/.

The RAQC also introduced its newly launched RAQC Clean Air Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity, dedicated to funding and supplementing air quality programs that reduce ground-level ozone within the EPA’s Denver Metro/Front Range Ozone Non-Attainment Area. Learn more about the RAQC Clean Air Fund and donate at: raqc.org/cleanairfund.  

The RAQC would also like to thank its community partners, board members, and all who came to mingle with fellow clean air enthusiasts at the RAQC’s first ever clean air happy hour. Thank you also to event sponsor Ace Hardware, whose support provided drinks and snacks.  

Ground-level ozone remains the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem. The human-caused emissions that combine to form this invisible, odorless pollutant in the heat and sunshine of beautiful Colorado days come mainly from diesel and gas-powered vehicles,...

To avoid breathing in unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone or wildfire smoke in Colorado, sometimes the best choice is to stay indoors. However, allergens, smoke, and airborne viruses—like those which cause influenza and COVID-19—can all find their way inside and...

Funding will be used to directly reduce ozone precursors and other air pollutants on Front Range In response to a recent violation at the Commerce City Suncor facility, the Environmental Protection Agency has fined the oil and gas producer $760,660 for noncompliant...

Beginning September 1, 2023, riders age 19 and younger will ride for free and breathe easier. Regional Transportation District (RTD) fares are currently free for all riders through the end of August 2023 as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative to help...

The RAQC is pleased to join and support several free public events this summer in the Denver metro area. Come by our table to say hi and grab new swag, information, and resources about what we call can do to help reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range. We look...

Community members encouraged to swap car trips for public transit to reduce ground-level ozone The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will launch Zero Fare for Better Air: a collaborative, statewide initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing...

Join the Air Pollution Control Division for an Ozone Public Listening Session

Wednesday, May 31st, 5:30 – 7 p.m.:

• Register to attend in person at the Irving Street Library, Westminster OR
• Register to attend over Zoom

Saturday, August 19th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.:

• Register to attend over Zoom

Colorado is actively planning next steps in addressing ground-level ozone in the North Front Range.

The Air Pollution Control Division will use these meetings to discuss updated emissions inventories and provide updates on the work to reduce ozone. These sessions will also share Air Pollution Control Division efforts to assess technical analyses that support air quality planning efforts and advance potential reduction strategies. Join us to learn about ozone planning, ask questions, learn how to stay involved, and share comments!

For more information about this meeting or future ozone meetings hosted by the APCD, please sign up to receive notifications or find more information on our webpage.

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Acompáñenos en una sesión de escucha para el público sobre el ozono

Miércoles, 31 de mayo, 5:30 a 7:00 p.m.:

• Regístrese para unirse en personaen Irving Street Library, Westminster o
• Regístrese en Zoom

Sábado, 19 de agosto, 10 a.m. a 12 p.m.:

• Regístrese en Zoom

Colorado está planificando activamente los próximos pasos que se darán para hacer frente al ozono a nivel del suelo en la zona del Front Range.

Durante estas reuniónes hablaremos de los inventarios de emisiones actualizados y proporcionaremos actualizaciones acerca del trabajo para reducir el ozono. Estas sesiónes incluye la evaluación de los análisis técnicos que respaldan la labor de planificación de la calidad del aire y la promoción de las posibles estrategias de reducción. ¡Acompáñenos para obtener más información sobre los planes del ozono, hacer preguntas, aprender cómo puede mantenerse involucrado o involucrada y compartir sus comentarios!

Para obtener más información sobre esta reunión u otras reuniones que la División de Control de la Contaminación del Aire organice en el futuro sobre el ozono, regístrese para recibir notificaciones o busque más información en nuestra página web.

The Regional Air Quality Council welcomes Kelsey Simpkins to the RAQC staff.  Prior to joining the RAQC, Kelsey worked at the University of Colorado Boulder in media relations and as a science writer, specializing in climate and environmental science. She previously worked for sustainability science NGO Future Earth as a digital engagement and communications specialist, and for the Twin Cities-based ecological restoration nonprofit Great River Greening in development and communications.

As Communications and Programs Coordinator, Kelsey will manage media, public relations, and community outreach and events for the Simple Steps Better Air program.