REGIONAL AIR QUALITY PRIORITY  

Mecklenburg County is a federal non-attainment jurisdiction as a result of not meeting USEPA Ground Level Ozone standards. Non-attainment status results in dis-incentives to economic development, makes doing business within the County more complicated and is simply bad for our health. Vehicle emissions are the largest contributor to ground level ozone impacting Mecklenburg County. Nitrogen oxides from vehicle emissions combine with VOC's and sunlight forming Ozone/smog.  To see Mecklenburg County's current air quality conditions cleck on the air quality today tab to the left of this webpage.

ANTI-IDLING CAMPAIGN

CMS  is working in partnership with Clean Air Carolina and Peidmont Natural Gas, to reduce vehicle idling time related to schools.  CMS bus drivers have recieved training about the costs of idling in terms of both air emisions and fuel consumption.  Signs have been posted at schools reminding parents and visitors to "Turn Off Your Engine" while waiting to pick up students or other guests.  To learn more about the idle reduction campaign click on the Clean Air Carolina tab to the left of this webpage.

IDLEWILD ELEMENTARY AIR INDEX PROGRAM

Idlewild Elementary School provides one example of how schools can make a difference in promoting behavior assisting in emissions reduction.  Clean Air Carolina donated  Air Quality Index flags which display the air quality condition code for the day raised.  Students raise the appropriate colored flag each day to give students, staff, parents and community a visual reference to air quality conditions.

CENTRALINA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

The importance of air quality has resulted in  a number of government and non profit organizations to form coalitions working to improve the region's air quality. Click on the Centralina Council of Governments tab to the left of this page to learn more about ground level Ozone in our region and what you can do to help!