5 Things You Need to Know About Air Pollution Control Districts

Where Air Pollution Control Districts Exist

Located all over the state of California and often involved in high-profile emissions mitigation programs, these districts also exist in other states as well. The concept of state-regulated air cleanup is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Smaller regions to police with specific laws that apply to the regions' issues can be easier to manage than on Federal levels.

What are Air Pollution Control Districts?

As an example, the California State Environmental Protection Agency has a sub-division called the Air Resources Board. This board was created to help regulate the laws and conditions of the air in the state of California. In alignment with requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act, Air Pollution Districts create laws and regulations to improve air quality and keep the public informed of current air conditions in the state.

Why Air Pollution Control Districts were Created

With the creation of the Federal Clean Air Act of 1970, awareness of air quality became much more public. Many local governments found themselves under pressure by their constituents to make changes to existing regulations to improve the quality of air and life in their communities. No state felt the need for these adjustments more than California. With its large population and well-documented traffic issues, the effects of vehicles on the state's air quality were well-noted and often severe, even in the 1970's. Smog was already a buzzword back then, especially in the Los Angeles basin that was often shrouded in smog. But now the public realized there may be some things that their government could do to improve air quality in high profile and meaningful ways.

The Goals of Air Pollution Control Districts

The California Air Pollution Control Districts are subsidiaries of the California Air Resources Board. Their major goals are to provide safe and clean air for the state, protect the public from contaminants, enforce rules and regulations with these goals in mind, provide new approaches to reach these goals, and provide the best scientific information to the public. The overall mission is to protect the public and provide safe, breathable air for the environment.

How You Can Help Air Pollution Control Districts Reach their Goals

Cars are the highest producers of pollution, so cutting down on single-vehicle use as much as possible would greatly reduce the emissions that cause pollution. Using public transportation or biking to work is a great alternative source of mobility. Car-pooling to the office is a way to cut down on the costs of gas and decrease emissions. If you choose to drive, then researching alternative fuel choices or buying a hybrid car will also help the problem.

Tracie Close is a freelance writer for print and the web on eco-friendly topics. Her articles have been published in Saving American Manufacturing, Philadelphia Style Magazine, and High Tech, High Touch. She also has contributed numerous articles about green living for eHow.com.