May is National Clean Air Month: a time to reflect on the air we breathe and the actions we can take to protect it. At EM-ACT, we’re committed to raising awareness about air pollution’s impact on health and climate, and to promoting clean transportation solutions that lead to cleaner, healthier communities.
Why Clean Air Matters
Air pollution is more than an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. According to the American Lung Association, nearly half of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, increasing the risk of asthma, lung disease, and even premature death. Indoor air can be even more hazardous, sometimes 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air (American Lung Association)
Transportation: The Largest Source of Carbon Pollution
Transportation is now the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., accounting for about 28% of the total. Most of these emissions come from burning gasoline and diesel in cars, trucks, and other vehicles. A typical passenger vehicle emits roughly 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.(US EPA)
Solutions & Opportunities
The EPA has implemented programs to reduce carbon pollution from transportation, including setting greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. These standards aim to cut billions of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetimes of vehicles sold in model years 2027–2032, nearly double fuel efficiency, and provide significant savings for consumers at the pump.
Additionally, the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector by encouraging the use of fuels produced from plants, crops, and other biomass.
What You Can Do
As individuals, we can contribute to cleaner air—and EM-ACT is here to help make that easier:
- Explore cleaner vehicle options: Electric and hybrid vehicles significantly reduce tailpipe emissions. EM-ACT partners with local fleets and community groups to expand access to EVs through tools like carsharing programs, educational resources, and ride-and-drive events
- Support clean energy transitions: EM-ACT works with school districts, transit agencies, and municipalities to replace diesel vehicles with alternatives. By championing projects that advance transportation and charging infrastructure, you help drive regional progress toward cleaner air.
- Stay informed and get involved: From community outreach to federal funding opportunities, EM-ACT connects stakeholders to the programs that make clean transportation more accessible. Whether you’re a fleet manager or a community advocate, we can help you navigate the next step.
Let’s work together to reduce pollution, support sustainable transportation, and ensure a healthier future for all.
