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Minnesota’s air currently meets all federal air quality standards. However, even levels of air pollution below the standards can affect people’s health, including levels currently found in parts of Minnesota.

Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, in the Twin Cities and central Minnesota

Image Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category in western and central Minnesota, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.The Minnesota…

Image Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category for much of Minnesota, which is unhealthy for sensitive groupsThe Minnesota Pollution…

Image Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, in southern, central, and western Minnesota…

Minnesota continues to reduce industrial and transportation air pollutants that have the highest potential health risks. Investment in clean air for all Minnesotans is a top priority for the MPCA and Governor Walz.

The MPCA strives to ensure all people in Minnesota have clean air, regardless of where they live or work.

An index of biological integrity (IBI) is a particularly powerful tool that provides an accurate measure of the condition of the biological communities and are a direct determinant of the attainment of aquatic life uses.

Minnesota is a national leader in ensuring healthy air quality. The Clean Air Act requires states to take significant responsibility for preventing and controlling air pollution. States must pass…

Forecast discussion

The MPCA's air monitors continually measure pollutants. With this data, the agency can track pollution trends over time and show if outdoor air meets air quality standards and health benchmarks.

Air quality dispersion modeling uses a computer model to estimate air pollution concentrations from regulated facilities and other sources of pollution.

Air sensors are instruments that measure air quality conditions in near real time.

Understanding small-scale differences in air pollution is important for minimizing exposure to harmful air pollutants, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The MPCA enforces federal and state requirements for air quality permitting.

Smith Foundry has ceased operations at its East Phillips facility after an investigation and settlement with the U.S. EPA that the MPCA supported.

To ensure that every person in Minnesota has healthy air to breathe, the MPCA studies, monitors, and regulates air pollutants, primarily in three categories: criteria pollutants, air toxics, and greenhouse gases.

Businesses face challenges from climate change's impacts, but they can also take steps to reduce their contributions to climate change.

From January through March 2025, MPCA air monitoring data showed elevated lead levels that exceeded national ambient air quality standards near the facility. An MPCA inspection of Gopher Resource in spring 2025 confirmed that the source of the elevated lead levels was addressed.

Are pets affected by poor air quality? Will wearing a mask help when I’m outside? What is particulate pollution? We’ve got the answers.