New Proposal Would Expand Air Quality Monitoring

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and other legislators put forward the Technology Assessment for Air Quality Management Act, which will expand access to local air pollution data and health impacts and help us know what tools will help communities most afflicted by air pollution.

“Everyone has the right to clean air, but far too many people live in communities overburdened with air pollution,” said Sarah Vogel, senior vice president for healthy communities at Environmental Defense Fund. “With the Technology Assessment for Air Quality Management Act, Senator Markey, Representative Blunt Rochester and the bill's cosponsors recognize the need for better data on local sources of air pollution and health outcomes and the ability to integrate this data into decision-making. This bill will provide needed tools to better understand air pollution and protect health.”

The bill would require EPA to update its Air Sensor Toolbox to include the advantages and limitations of community monitoring technologies (such as low-cost monitors and satellite data products), potential uses of air quality data and how to access data on potential air pollution sources and health impacts. The bill would also help the EPA to integrate environmental justice mapping tools, allowing the agency to better consider cumulative burdens and increase the use of low-cost sensors and satellite data in decision-making.