Challenges for Air Quality in Kentucky

State Issues

Kentucky has many challenges to air quality, most notably the impacts from the significant number of coal-fired power plants in the state. In 2012, the state ranked first in states with the most toxic air pollution from power plants (stories HERE and HERE).

Air quality is also affected by smog and traffic congestion. Communities in Kentucky are working to address transportation-related air pollution issues at the local level, such as Oldham County’s Park and Ride initiative, article HERE.

State and Local Resources

• Kentucky Division of Air Quality HERE.

• How to contact the Kentucky Division of Air Quality: DEP Division for Air Quality, 200 Fair Oaks Lane, First Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601, Phone: 502-564-3999, Fax: 502-564-4666

• Link to Kentucky air quality index monitoring HERE.

• Link to Louisville Metro Air Pollution Contro District HERE.

• Local air quality conditions courtesy of AirNow HERE.

• Link to air quality by city, courtesy of FindTheData HERE.

• Air Pollution Control Regulations for Kentucky, link HERE.

Policy/Legislative Information

The Clean Air Act (CAA) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) is a comprehensive Federal law that regulates all sources of air emissions. The 1970 CAA authorized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and the environment.

Common air pollutants regulated by the EPA include nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), ozone (O3), and lead (Pb).

Approved Air Quality Implementation Plans for Kentucky

EPA Links for Kentucky HERE.