Air Quality
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Air Quality Awareness Program seeks to address our region’s growing air quality issues and inform, educate and alert individuals, businesses and organizations of the actions they can take to reduce air pollution.
Watch this brief video to learn about the Air Quality Index, a scale used to report daily air pollution levels.
Daily Forecasts
MORPC carefully monitors ground-level ozone and particle pollution levels, and issues daily air quality forecasts for central Ohio, focusing on the counties failing to meet health standards set by U.S. EPA. When there is a potential for high pollution levels, an Air Quality Alert may be issued--at first for sensitive groups and then for everyone else as levels get higher. Alerts are based on the National Air Quality Index. Use MORPC's air quality forecasts to help you plan ahead and protect your health. Read more about the health effects of air pollution. MORPC's Air Quality Forecasting Procedures (.pdf)
Keeping You Informed
There are several ways you can find out what the air quality levels are to reduce your exposure and take action to help reduce pollution:
- Sign up for free EnviroFlash emails.
- Call the Central Ohio Air Quality Hotline at 1-888-666-1009.
- Check the weather section of the Columbus Dispatch.
- Follow MORPC on Twitter or Facebook.
- Contact MORPC at 614-228-2663 to find out how your employer can start receiving Air Quality Alert notifications to send out to employees.
Tips for Reducing Air Pollution
MORPC's brochure features simple solutions for improving central Ohio's air quality. Check out these lawn care clean air tips from U.S. EPA.
More on Idling 
MORPC’s Air Quality Program launched a no-idling sign campaign in central Ohio to reduce unnecessary motor vehicle idling. MORPC has 100 signs to distribute on a first-come, first-served basis to local governments, schools, businesses and hospitals that are interested in joining the no-idling campaign. Campaign participants must be within MORPC’s 12 county region. Each recipient must have an internal no-idling policy in place. If a policy does not currently exist, MORPC can provide templates and can work with interested organizations to develop the language. Please contact Evelyn Ebert at eebert@morpc.org or 614.233.4168.
Listen to this 30 second public service announcement about the benefits of turning your key to be idle free.
Data
Keep tabs on current air pollution levels and find central Ohio air quality information from previous years:
Economic Impact Study
MORPC released a Central Ohio Air Quality Economic Impact Study in 2007 to understand the potential job and income losses that central Ohio could experience if the region fails to meet federal ozone and particle pollution clean-up deadlines.View the brochure.
Clean Diesel Program
MORPC recognizes the important role diesel equipment plays in Ohio’s economy and the need to reduce emissions from the mobile sector. MORPC and its partners, Clean Fuels Ohio and The Ohio Environmental Council, can work with your community, school or business to recommend emissions control technology investments and alternative fuels to save money and improve air quality, as well identify clean diesel funding opportunities. Contact David Abel at 614.233.4197 for more information.
Current Funding Opportunities:
Energy and Air Quality Working Group
The Energy and Air Quality Working Group provides leadership and guidance to MORPC staff. The committee consists of representatives throughout central Ohio (local government, nonprofit organizations and private interests). Meeting dates and agendas are listed on the calendar. Committee Chair is David Celebrezze, Director of Air and Water Special Projects at The Ohio Environmental Council. Contact Evelyn Ebert at 614-233-4168 or eebert@morpc.org for more information.
