By 2050, Phoenix will achieve a level of air quality that is healthy for humans and the natural environment. This includes out performing all federal standards and achieving a visibility index of good or excellent on 90% of days or more. (Depending on the year, Phoenix currently achieves this good or excellent visibility rating on 70%-80 of days.)
What are we doing now?
The city of Phoenix is strongly committed to reducing air pollution and protecting public health. The city implements a wide range of air quality programs to reduce ozone and dust (particulate) pollution.
The city's green building and renewable energy programs reduce air pollution from energy production and reduce energy costs for city operations. Transit, light rail, bikeways, and pedestrian-friendly development reduce vehicle emissions and promote land use planning and urban designs for a more sustainable environment.
The city's aggressive dust control program includes asphalt treatments for roads, shoulders, alleys and city-owned parking lots. Trespass prevention and dust controls for undeveloped parks and other vacant land reduce dust emissions. In addition, more than 500 staff are trained each year in dust control methods for city operations to meet stringent rules adopted by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.
