More recent polls rank air quality near the top of citizen environmental concerns. This law recognizes that there are many and varied sources of air pollution and directs government agencies to approach problems and solutions comprehensively. The law contains detailed, prescriptive programs that specify performance standards, emission limits, fees, and constraints on regulatory agencies. This law establishes authority for motor vehicle emission testing. Much of the content of Washington's air quality laws are based on the goals, objectives, standards, and control requirements of the federal clean air act.
Ecology provides financial and technical assistance to the local air agencies.
Emission inventory is the cataloging of sources of air pollution and the emissions from those sources. Inventory data are critical to the understanding of the causes of air pollution problems and creation of appropriate solutions. Results High quality air pollution data allow accurate assessment of pollution levels in much of the state. Presently, the data show that air quality trends are improving throughout the state. Continued monitoring will help us track trend changes as population and motor vehicle use grow.