Air Quality in Minnesota: Problems and Approaches

The 2001 legislative report, "Air Quality in Minnesota: Problems and Approaches," outlines a 10-point Action Plan the MPCA will use to reduce air pollutants including particulates, smog-forming pollutants and air toxics. The approaches described were developed with input from other state agencies, local units of government, public interest groups, and citizens.

It also includes an extensive set of appendices that provide in-depth information about the pollutants of concern and the processes that were used to develop the Action Plan.

We welcome your questions and comments about this report and its appendices. All comments and questions should be directed Becky Helgesen, 651-282-6244, e-mail: becky.helgesen@pca.state.mn.us.

Air Quality Report

You may view the entire report as one file or view the report and appendices individually.

Report without appendices:

Air Quality in Minnesota: Problems and Approaches
(12 pages, file size=3.5 MG)

Entire report with appendices:

Air Quality in Minnesota: Problems and Approaches
(342 pages, file size=5 MG)

Acknowledgements

Appendices:

A. Report Background Information
B. Particulate Matter
C. Criteria Pollutants
D. Air Toxics
E. Diesel Exhaust
F. Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxics
G. Mercury
H. Global Climate Change
I. Mobile Source Emissions and Trends
J. Current Efforts: Mobile Sources
K. Current Efforts: Stationary Sources
L. Action Steps: Mobile Sources
M. Action Steps: Stationary Sources
N. Action Steps: Research/Planning
O. Action Steps MPCA Can Accomplish by Shifting Funding From Existing Resources
P. MPCA Goals and Measures
Q. Asthma, Mortality, and Cancer Statistics

How can You Make a Difference?

Reducing air pollution will depend not only on cleaner fuels, energy and technologies, but also on the choices that consumers and citizens make each day. You can help reduce air pollution by:

Using Less Gasoline

Gasoline burned by cars, light trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles accounts for consumers' biggest contribution to air pollution and global warming. Calculate your household's annual gasoline consumption: the total of each vehicle's annual miles driven divided by the average miles per gallon. If your household gasoline consumption exceeds the national average of 900 gallons per year, cut back. Consider driving a more fuel-efficient car, or drive fewer miles by carpooling. Using the bus or biking are other options.

Environmental Defense has a fun and easy way to compare the economic and environmental costs of different vehicles on their Tailpipe Tally Web site.

The MPCA's Web site also has more information on motor vehicle pollution.

Cutting Back on Energy Use in the Home

The big offenders here are home heating and hot water. Also contributing significantly are lighting and appliances - especially refrigerators. You'll help the environment and save big bucks in the long term by installing more energy-efficient heating systems, appliances and lighting (such as compact fluorescent bulbs).

Learn more about energy efficiency from the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Energy Information Center.

Pay Attention to Certain "High-impact" Activities

Some activities have a disproportionately high environmental impact. Minimize use of lawn equipment powered by two-cycle engines, which emit more air pollution. Consider using electric or battery-powered equipment instead.

Learn more about proposed emission standards for small engines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Get Involved

Sunset over water Get involved in environmental issues. One key place to start is in the arena of land-use planning in your community. Start by attending a public meeting. Then maybe volunteer your time on a committee. Your input and involvement do make a difference. Help keep government, businesses and citizens accountable for decisions and activities that affect the environment.

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This document was last updated April 17, 2003
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