EPA Awards Grant to Central States Air Resource Agencies Association

Nine states in the central United States will work on issues related to air pollution moving between states and provide lower-cost training for states' staffers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has awarded $561,507 to the Central States Air Resource Agencies Association to help states collaborate on improving air quality. This group of nine states in the central United States will work on issues related to air pollution moving between states and provide lower-cost training for states' staffers.

Interstate air pollution transport means a combination of local emissions and emissions from upwind sources can affect air quality in any location. The transport of pollutants across state borders makes it difficult for downwind states to meet health-based air quality standards; the Clean Air Act's "good neighbor" provision requires EPA and states to address interstate transport of air pollution that affects downwind states' ability to meet and maintain the standards.

With its headquarters in Oklahoma City, the nonprofit Central States Air Resource Agencies Association fosters a regional perspective in addressing air pollution that moves across state boundaries and encourages states to find and share cost-effective solutions to air pollution-control issues.