Arlington, Texas – As the nation and region continue to take steps toward recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, with many people returning to their offices, North Texans are being encouraged to focus on improving air quality.
While it is important to be mindful of air quality every day, residents and employers will be asked to dedicate more attention to how they can help the region reach attainment of federal ozone standards on Aug. 4.
Clean Air Action Day represents a chance for North Texans to make simple changes to their daily routines that collectively can have a significant impact on the air they breathe.
The goal is to improve the air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and protect people’s health.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, 10 counties fall under nonattainment for the pollutant ozone and are working to meet the standard. Clean Air Action Day is one way the North Central Texas Council of Governments seeks to empower users of the transportation system to contribute to better air.
As residents begin to return to the office throughout the summer, social distancing measures and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines remain in place. However, there are simple steps North Texans can take to become part of the solution.
They can take their lunch to work, use mass transit to get to the office or take steps to reduce idling when they do have to drive. Those who are still working from home can incorporate active transportation options such as bicycling or walking when they have to run errands.
North Texans are encouraged to maintain the commitments they make on Aug. 4 throughout ozone season, which ends Nov. 30. A good way to prepare to take action is to sign up for ozone alerts at
www.airnorthtexas.org/signup.
After signing up, residents can commit to small changes to their routines to help clear the air by visiting
www.airnorthtexas.org/cleanairactionday.
On Clean Air Action Day, share with us how you celebrate by using #CAAD2021 and tagging us, @NCTCOGtrans. You could win a prize! And remember to log your alternative commutes at
www.tryparkingit.com, the region’s alternative-commute and ride-matching site. It is easy to participate on Clean Air Action Day and throughout the year.
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.
NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 238 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 22 school districts and 31 special districts. For more information on the NCTCOG Transportation Department, visit
www.nctcog.org/trans.
About Air North Texas:
Air North Texas is a regional air quality partnership and general public outreach effort. Air North Texas leverages existing resources and program strengths to offer the public a comprehensive resource for air quality information. Collaborative efforts focus on reducing harmful emissions, protecting public health and welfare, motivating residents to make choices that improve air quality and preserving the economic vitality of the region. Learn more at
www.airnorthtexas.org.
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