Protecting our Air Quality

One of the challenges in protecting air quality is that air is invisible. Therefore, air is one of those things often taken for granted. Pollutants in the air from activities such as driving motor vehicles and burning make the air unhealthy to breathe even when it looks clean. The Department of Ecology’s air quality program protects public health and the environment from pollutants caused by vehicles, outdoor and indoor burning, and industry.

The things people do that cause air pollution can have long-term consequences. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas causes gases to build up in our atmosphere and trap heat from the sun. Many scientists around the world agree that our planet’s changing climate is a result of these activities. Ecology works with numerous state, national, and international partners to reduce the causes and impacts of climate change.

AIR QUALITY PROGRAM

Emission Testing | Air Monitoring | Agricultural Burning | Outdoor Residential Burning | Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, and Pellet Stoves | Air Operating Permits | Local Clean Air Agencies | More Air Quality topics

CLIMATE CHANGE

Western Climate Initiative (WCI) | Cap and Trade Issue Reports | Mandatory reporting | The Climate Registry | Congressional Proposals | Green economy | Growth management | What is climate change? | What's happening in Washington State? | Climate change education

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RULES AND REGULATIONS

Index of Rules | Current Rule-Making Activity | Federal Clean Air Act | State Clean Air Act | Reporting of Emission of Greenhouse Gases

PERMITS

Environmental Permit Handbook - Air Quality | Agricultural Burning Permits | Outdoor Burning Permits | Commercial Industrial Air Permits | Air Operating Permits | Notice of Construction Permit | Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permits | Operating Permits Register

FORMS

All Air Quality Forms | Emission Check forms

PUBLICATIONS

All Air Quality Publications | Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Rule | Toxic Air Pollutants Priorities Study