Air Quality
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 2026, Kentucky ranked 27th overall in the United States for particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, according to the America's Health Rankings 2026 Report.
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.
Resources
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: 502-564-4245
Link to Kentucky air quality index monitoring HERE.
Air quality regulations for Kentucky 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.
