December 23, 2004
Thursday

On December 17th, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Leavitt confirmed what many Alaskans already know - our air is clean.  Alaska meets federal clean air standards for fine particle or PM 2.5 pollution.  "We welcome EPA's announcement.  Alaskans can be proud of our clean, healthy air." said Acting Commissioner Kurt Fredriksson of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Fine particle pollution represents one of the most significant barriers to clean air facing our nation today.  These tiny particles, about 1/30th the diameter of a human hair, lodge deep in our lungs, and have been associated with heart attacks, chronic bronchitis, and asthma attacks, said Fredriksson.

Fredriksson said, since 1999, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has conducted extensive air quality monitoring throughout Alaska.  "Our findings helped EPA issue a clean bill of health for this dangerous air pollutant.  From rural dust to cruise ship emissions, DEC continues to work to protect Alaska's air quality and the health of all Alaskans.  This national recognition indicates our efforts are working."

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Web Site

 

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