On February 13, 2008, Maricopa County kicked off its new clean air initiative called Running Out of Air. The driving force behind this clean air program is the website www.RunningOutofAir.com where you will find information on the particulate pollution problem this region faces. In addition to educating you about dust pollution, the website asks all Valley residents to Make the Clean Air Commitment.
What is the Clean Air Commitment? It is an individual’s promise to make a difference to help clean the air we all breathe.
Cleaning the air is this region’s main focus. Maricopa County is committing to 38 dust pollution prevention measures in the MAG 5% Plan submitted to the EPA.
In addition to ramping up staff and increasing enforcement, Maricopa County is asking all residents to do their part. The Phoenix Suns are on board with the county to spread this clean air message. As an incentive, the Suns are offering a Toyota Prius as a give-away for those that log onto the website and sign up to Make the Clean Air Commitment. This fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle will be given away during halftime at the Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets game on Saturday, March 22, 2008.
How can you help? Visit www.RunningOutofAir.com and vow to do these simple steps to reduce dust pollution:
ü Use a rake or a broom rather than a leaf blower
ü Consolidate errands to cut down on multiple trips in your car
ü Do not use wood-burning fireplaces, especially on High Pollution Advisory days