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For 2005-current program information, click on the logo below:
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"Keep It Clean" 2004 Ozone Program |
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For 2005-current program information, click on the logo below:
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The "Keep It Clean" campaign is
a partnership between the Regional Air Quality
Council, Envirotest Systems, the American Lung Association of
Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
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Ozone pollution is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from local industry, our cars, and even our lawnmowers contribute to ozone formation. At ground level, ozone is harmful to all of us. Ozone pollution can cause breathing problems and respiratory infections in the elderly, the young, and those with pre-existing ailments. Even healthy people who exercise or work outdoors can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone.
Voluntary Ozone Reduction Program
During the summer of 1999, the Regional Air Quality Council, along with state and local governments, businesses, and citizens launched a summer ozone education effort. The program's goal is to inform people about ways they can help to reduce ozone pollution. Our Summary Reports detail the progress and outcomes of RAQC's Voluntary Ozone Reduction Program from the past four years.
Poster Contest
Winners
The RAQC's 2004 Voluntary Ozone Reduction Program
includes:
Issuing Ozone Action Alerts-This
is similar to the winter alert system and is designed to warn people in advance of
potential high ozone days and to encourage changes in ozone-contributing
behaviors. Alerts are issued to local governments, businesses, and
citizens when the potential exists for elevated ozone levels. Click here to be added to the
Ozone
Action Alert e-mail list. We will send an e-mail notice when an Ozone Action Alert Day is
announced.
"Repair
Your Air Campaign" - A new program launched in June, 2003 that utilizes
remote sensing technology to identify high-polluting vehicles. Vehicle
owners are offered free or discounted repairs as an incentive to fix their
vehicles so that they emit less pollution.
Hosted
Car Care Clinics for Cleaner Air - NAPA Auto Parts and the RAQC teamed
up to host
several Car Care
clinics on April 24. These clinics offered motorists a free visual inspection, gas cap
testing and information on ozone pollution with tips on how
citizens can help. Also, any
motorist who brought in an old gas can was able to exchange it for a FREE non-spill,
non-permeable gas can.
"Put a Cap on
Ozone" Program distributes free gas caps to motorists whose cap
tests
faulty or is missing. This year, the RAQC is focusing on
employer-hosted gas cap fairs at local municipalities across the Front Range
region. Last year, the Cities of Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Golden,
Lakewood, Longmont, and Westminster participated, among others.
Securing voluntary
reductions in the Reid Vapor Pressure, or RVP, (volatility) of gasoline
through a partnership with the petroleum refining industry.
Reducing gasoline vapor
emissions by working with the local petroleum marketers, private fleets,
and local governments to distribute stickers for gas pumps that encourage individuals to "stop
at the click" when filling up a vehicle at the gas pump.
Local Government
operational changes. Many local governments coordinate with
Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Public Information
departments to change operations and to spread the word about
ozone pollution and ways to reduce it.
Using targeted
public service announcements on local area radio stations,
bus stops, and in movie theatres with
different messages on how to reduce ozone pollution in the
summertime in both English and Spanish.
Using a variety of other
outreach tools such as distribution of flyers, brochures,
bookmarks, tire pressure gauges, and bike reflectors, updated a web
site, and worked with local governments to display ozone alerts and tips
on local cable access television and web sites.
