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Maricopa County Air Quality Department Recipient of U.S. EPA Air Award

Release Date: 09/19/2012
Contact Information: David Yogi, yogi.david@epa.gov, (415) 972-3350

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 12^th Annual Clean Air Excellence Award was given yesterday to Maricopa County’s Air Quality Department for the development of its Rapid Response Notification System, which provides real-time air quality updates to residents on elevated levels of air pollution.

The department retrofitted 13 air monitoring systems with Rapid Response Notification System technology that alerts residents via email, text message, and Twitter and Facebook posts when elevated air pollution levels are detected.

“The 42-year history of the Clean Air Act is all about meeting challenges through commitment and innovation,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “The contributions of this year’s award winners are continuing the Clean Air Act’s progress in benefiting public health, our communities and the economy.”

Maricopa County’s award was one of 11 given to projects and companies nationwide for work on clean air initiatives. The Clean Air Excellence Award recognizes innovative programs that protect Americans’ health and the environment, educate the public, serve their communities and stimulate the economy.

For additional information on award winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/clean_award.html