AIR QUALITY
On behalf of the State Air Pollution Control Board, DEQ's Division of Air Quality is responsible for carrying out the mandates of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, as well as meeting Virginia's federal obligations under the Clean Air Act.
The objective of the Air Quality Division is to protect and enhance public health and the environment by controlling present and future sources of air pollution. The division ensures the safety and quality of the air in Virginia by monitoring and analyzing air quality data, regulating sources of air pollution, and working with local, state and federal agencies to plan and implement strategies to protect Virginia’s air quality.
The state’s air quality programs develop and implement regulations, policy, and guidance, and pursue necessary enforcement actions, to assure the provisions of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and the Commonwealth’s responsibilities under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) are met.
The Air Quality Division's core responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing programs designed to ensure that Virginia meets national air quality standards
- Regulating the emission of air pollutants from industries and facilities by issuing and ensuring compliance with permits that set limits that are protective of public health
- Monitoring Virginia's air quality
- Investigating complaints and violations of Virginia's air quality laws
- Developing state rules governing air quality standards
To learn more about specific air quality programs, use the menu bar to the left of this page.