National Park Service (NPS) Director Fran Mainella announced that the
findings of a 10-year study show air quality is improving or remaining
stable in more than half of the national parks monitored.
“The report shows that in most parks, air quality exceeds
standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public
health and welfare,” Mainella said. “Our findings also show that some
parks occasionally experience pristine air-quality conditions,
unaffected by air pollution.”
The NPS has been studying air quality in parks for more than 20
years and currently is conducting monitoring activities in 60 NPS areas.
The NPS air-quality monitoring program provides information on ozone
levels, acid rain and visibility impairment in parks.
