Air quality in Minneapolis
Multiple government agencies are responsible for air quality in Minneapolis. They begin at the federal level with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six different pollutants. These pollutants are “criteria pollutants.” After standards are set, pollution protection decisions move to each state. Minnesota’s standards are set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA issues air emission permits to facilities. These permits ensure facilities meet state and federal air regulation standards. As a city, we have less regulatory authority over air quality than the state. We help through initiatives.
These initiatives:
- Aim to help residents learn about hyper-local air quality.
- Help business and facilities complete air pollution reduction projects.
Climate Impact
Sources of climate pollution lead to local air pollution.
Some of these sources are:
- Cars
- Diesel trucks
- Gas stoves
- Gas furnaces
These sources lead to pollution types like ground-level ozone and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Working to cut these sources of local air pollution will help our climate.
Equity Impact
The highest rates of air pollution-related death and disease are in neighborhoods with the largest percentage of:
- People of Color (BIPOC)
- People with low incomes
- People without health insurance
- People with disabilities
In some parts of the city, the air is much worse than in others. Emergency room visits for asthma caused by air pollution are higher in certain neighborhoods. They happen five times more often in neighborhoods with more BIPOC residents. Working toward clean air in every neighborhood and home will improve equity. This includes racial equity.
Clean air can help:
- Lower asthma rates
- Help kids attend school
- Help adults get to work
- Lead to living longer and healthier lives
We prioritize the Green Zone communities, our official environmental justice areas. Breathing clean air daily is essential to our vision for a healthy and fair community.