Description
Working together to improve air quality
The majority of air pollution in our communities comes from non-point sources like:
- Traffic
- Backyard fires
- Small businesses
Air pollution adds up and no single group can solve the problem alone. Managing small sources of pollution can fall through the cracks between different levels of government. That’s why it’s important for agencies to work together. Sharing insights from air quality data is key to reducing pollution. Additionally, businesses may see investing in new, cleaner technologies as a risk. Without support or proof-of-concept, organizations can be hesitant to adopt new solutions.
Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) is a group of air quality leaders working to lower air pollutants. Environmental initiative started CAM to bring business, government, community, and nonprofits together. They work to develop solutions that cut pollution and protect health. Examples of projects that started with Clean Air Minnesota and are still making an impact today include:
- Printing Industry Midwest's Great Green Printer program
- Project Clean Air Repair
- Project Stove Swap
- Converting all of Minnesota's school buses to clean diesel technology.
What we’re doing now
The Minneapolis Health Department has participated in CAM for over 10 years. Together, the members of CAM:
- Identify and prioritize strategies to reduce air pollution
- Develop, fund, and implement projects to improve air quality
- Track emissions reductions achieved and share outcomes with the wider community