Athens-Clarke County

Helping Athens-Clarke County breathe easier.

Athens Resources

Traffic and air quality challenges exist across Georgia. That’s why The Clean Air Campaign, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, is working in areas throughout the state, including Athens-Clarke County, to provide resources that can help us open up our roadways and clear up our skies.

More Stringent Air Quality Standards Mean More Areas Could Have Air Pollution Challenges

Ground-level ozone monitoring in Athens-Clarke County indicates that in 2011 the region experienced two days when the amount of ozone in the air was considered unhealthy for certain groups. Few people may know that vehicle exhaust accounts for 62% of the air pollution that forms ground-level ozone in the region. Commuter traffic contributes to a large part of this smog problem.

Although air quality has improved over the last few decades, scientists are continually learning more about the harmful effects of air pollution, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to respond with an updated ozone standard designed to better protect human health. A tighter ozone standard could be announced in mid-2012.

Failure to meet this standard in the future means that Clarke County could be designated as a nonattainment area. But it also means we’ll be better informed of when the air outside is unhealthy.

What could nonattainment status mean to the area?

Stigma of poor air quality and smog
Health risks for children and the elderly
Economic development challenges
More stringent permitting requirements
Additional requirements for transportation projects

Learn more about how smog hurts Georgia.

We’re Ready to Help

The Clean Air Campaign is now working with government agencies, employers and commuters in Athens-Clarke County by:

Educating these groups about Georgia’s air pollution problems
Promoting alternatives to driving alone – like riding Athens Transit, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking, bicycling and walking

Commuters

Nearly 40% of Athens-area commuters travel to another county to get to work, so finding a commute option aside from driving alone makes sense. When you change your commute, you’re helping improve air quality in Athens-Clarke County. Plus, there are resources to help commuters start using alternatives. Learn more.

Employers

Partner with us to improve employee productivity and save on operating expenses.

The Clean Air Campaign works with employers to build commute options programs specifically around your needs. These services are provided at no cost to you.

Schools

Air pollution affects everyone, especially children. With their lungs still developing, children are more vulnerable to the impact of vehicle exhaust and poor air quality.

The Clean Air Schools program is free and open to all elementary, middle and high schools around the state. It includes air quality lesson plans, no-idling zones and creative ideas to encourage riding the bus and carpooling to school.