Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On August 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual interactive report tracking America's progress in improving air quality. The report, titled "Our Nation’s Air: Trends Through 2023," monitors trends in air quality and emissions data, evaluates efforts to enhance visibility in national parks, and examines community-level health impacts of hazardous air pollutants.
“This interactive report gives us a valuable look at the long-term progress EPA and our state, Tribal, community and industry partners have achieved. Between 1970 and 2023, the combined emissions of six key pollutants dropped by 78%, while the U.S. economy remained strong – growing over 320% over the same time,” said EPA Assistant Administrator Joe Goffman. “As the impacts of climate change increasingly affect air quality in the United States, EPA will continue to work to assure clean air for all.”
The implementation of the Clean Air Act has driven significant long-term reductions in emissions, leading to improved air quality. Since 1990, concentrations of various air pollutants have decreased as follows:
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8-Hour: 79%
- Lead (Pb) 3-Month Average: 87% (from 2010)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Annual: 62%
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1-Hour: 55%
- Ozone (O3) 8-Hour: 18%
- Particulate Matter 10 microns (PM10) 24-Hour: 29%
- Particulate Matter 2.5 microns (PM2.5) Annual: 37% (from 2000)
- Particulate Matter 2.5 microns (PM2.5) 24-Hour: 29% (from 2000)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 1-Hour: 92%
Despite these improvements, climate change poses challenges that can slow progress. Since last year, national average concentrations of several key pollutants—such as carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, and fine particle pollution—have increased due to wildfires, weather conditions, and other natural events. This increase occurred even as emissions from transportation sources, power generation, and industrial processes declined due to more effective controls.
Environmental factors related to climate change can influence wildfire severity and timing through changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and drought conditions. Continued efforts to address climate change are essential for protecting community health and ensuring environmental justice.
The Biden-Harris Administration has emphasized science-based policies to mitigate climate pollution and deliver economic and public health benefits nationwide. Key actions include:
- Rules reducing methane and other harmful pollutants from oil and natural gas operations.
- Updated national pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles.
- National greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles such as freight trucks and buses.
- Standards for existing coal-fired power plants and new natural-gas-fired power plants.
- Infrastructure investments through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting a clean energy economy.
- Efforts to integrate environmental justice into all EPA activities.
The report features interactive graphics that allow users to view detailed information by pollutant type, geographic location, and year.
Explore the report here: Our Nation’s Air: Trends Through 2023.
