Programs
The Regional Air Quality Council runs programs to reduce ozone pollution and spread awareness about air quality in the Colorado ozone nonattainment region. Read about our current programs below.
Clean Air Auto Repair program (CAAR) is a RAQC program designed as an ongoing effort to combat air pollution and reduce harmful emissions. CAAR identifies high-emitting vehicles and works to repair and mitigate poor emmitting vehicles. CAAR utilizes advanced technologies and regular inspections to assess the emission levels of vehicles on the road. Learn more at cleanairautorepair.org.
Engines Off is a multipronged program to reduce harmful emissions from vehicle idling. The RAQC partners with schools to launch education campaigns, local governments to adopt anti-idling ordinances and policies, and small businesses to electrify food trucks and other mobile businesses. Learn more at enginesoff.org.
The Regional Air Quality Council has launched the Mow Down Pollution – exchange program as part of their efforts to mitigate ground-level ozone and enhance air quality. This initiative offers vouchers to support individuals and organizations who opt to recycle their gas-powered lawn equipment and replace it with rechargeable or corded electric-powered alternatives. Learn more at mowdownpollution.org.
Simple Steps. Better Air. (SSBA) is the RAQC’s outreach, awareness, and education program. It provides information for the general public regarding the Front Range region’s current ozone challenges, and how individuals can take simple steps for better air. SSBA also runs the RAQC’s summer season ozone alert system, which notifies subscribers by text or email when a high ozone day is forecasted by the state, and includes timely steps that they can take to reduce their emissions and protect their health. Learn more and sign up for alerts at SimpleStepsBetterAir.org.
The Regional Air Quality Council recognizes businesses, legislators, community members and other entities that demonstrate a commitment to improving the region’s air quality. Clean Air Champions are celebrated each year at the RAQC’s annual Clean Air Happy Hour.
Retired Programs
ALT Fuels Colorado
ALT Fuels Colorado removed barriers to the adoption of alternatively fueled vehicles by providing funding for alternative fueling stations and awarding incentives to offset the cots of the vehicles. The program is now managed by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).
Engines Off – former version
Between 2008 and 2012, the first Engines Off program launched as a collaborative effort between federal, state, local governments, and NGOs in Colorado to improve regional air quality by reducing vehicle idling, a significant source of air pollution.
Optical Gas Imaging Camera Loan Program
Between 2011 and 2023, the RAQC loaned out an optical gas imaging camera to qualified users (industry representatives, local government, health department and university staff) to identify and repair gas leaks primarily at oil and gas industry exploration and production facilities across Colorado.
Winter Air Pollution
To combat winter air pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter, the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) issued air quality action day alerts beteen November and March. Action days activated mandatory indoor burning restrictions. Action Days also called upon citizens to make voluntary driving reductions.
Charge Ahead Colorado
Charge Ahead Colorado provided grant funding to local governments, non-profits and businesses to install electric vehicle charging stations. Between 2013 and 2021, the Regional Air Quality Council and the Colorado Energy Office funded more than 1,300 charging stations.
Every Trip Counts
Between 2010 and 2017, the Every Trip Counts program provided incentives to people who chose to leave their car at home and bike, walk or use the bus a minimum of two trips per week during the summer.
Repair Your Air
The RAQC worked with several partners to help fund repairs for vehicles that qualified for the State of Colorado’s High Emitter Identification Program. Financial assistance valued at more than $715 was available to citizens whose vehicles failed the on-road emissions test.
Clean Air Fleets
The Clean Air Fleets program, started in 2003, was a regional public-private initiative to educate on- and off-road diesel vehicle operators on how to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions while saving money. The program provided information on, and funding for, simple retrofit technologies and fuels to reduce emissions.
Local Agency Air Quality Projects Grant Pool
The Local Agency Air Quality Project Grant Pool provided funding to local governments and local agencies for the development and implementation of programs that result in benefits to air quality.
Street Sanding Program
To reduce particulate matterpollution, the RAQC partnered with local and state street maintenance departments to develop a street sanding program. The program achieved a weighted average region-wide emissions reduction of approximately 50% and allowed the region to comply with the PM10 federal standard since 1993.