FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions received by The Clean Air Campaign.

1. What is The Clean Air Campaign®? What do you do?
A: The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 1996 to educate the public about air pollution. Our organization's mission is to motivate Georgians to take action to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. We offer employers free assistance in the design and implementation of commute options and other smog-reducing programs. In addition, we provide a children's education program, issue Smog Alert notifications and provide financial incentives to promote alternative commuting behavior.

2. Is The Clean Air Campaign a government organization?
A: No. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.

3. Is The Clean Air Campaign a national organization?
A: No. The Clean Air Campaign operates only in Georgia.

4. Do you regulate vehicle emissions?
A: No. Georgia's Clean Air Force is the state-run entity that oversees vehicle emissions standards.

5. Do you deal with indoor air pollution?
A: The Clean Air Campaign was formed specifically to address ambient air quality issues that face the metro Atlanta region, and increasingly, the rest of the state of Georgia. We work on the air quality issues that affect large parts of the state. In Georgia, the two most pressing air pollution issues that affect large parts of the state are ground-level ozone and particle pollution. Ground-level ozone is almost exclusively an outdoor issue, whereas particle pollution impacts air quality both indoors and outdoors. That said, there are other indoor air pollution issues including dusts, molds and spores and other indoor contaminants, that fall beyond the scope and expertise of The Clean Air Campaign. For information on indoor air pollution, contact the U.S. EPA's Indoor Air Quality Division.

6. How do I join The Clean Air Campaign?
A: Individuals can take advantage of Commuter Rewards, sign up for newsletters and Smog Alerts, or they can simply contribute to improved air quality by carpooling, taking transit, teleworking or engaging in other air-friendly activities. Employers interested in becoming a partner can take the first step by reviewing Start Your Program. Sponsors can help us in our desire to continue to provide these services by reading how to Become a Sponsor.

7. What's the difference between The Clean Air Campaign and the Clean Air Force?
A: Georgia's Clean Air Force is a regulated, mandatory vehicle inspection and maintenance program run by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Through this program, registered vehicles in the 13-county nonattainment area are tested annually to verify that they meet emissions standards.

The Clean Air Campaign is not a regulatory or government agency. It focuses on voluntary behavior change because driving and other behaviors (refueling, lawn maintenance, etc.) contribute significantly to our air quality problems.

8. How can I find someone with whom to carpool?
A: Finding carpoolers in your area is easy. Visit www.MyRideSmart.com and get immediate, free access to a list of carpoolers who live and work near you and share a similar schedule.

9. Can I get assistance if I use an alternative commute and need to leave work for a family emergency?
A: Yes. The Guaranteed Ride Home program is a free service to registered commuters, which provides taxi vouchers and rental cars to employees who use commute alternatives and need to leave work for a valid emergency. Visit www.MyRideSmart.com and register to participate.

10. What impact does a single car have on pollution and air quality?
A: According to the Georgia EPD, the average passenger car emits more than 115 pounds of smog-forming emissions each year. The average light truck or SUV emits almost 164 pounds of smog-forming emissions annually. Since there are more than 2 million registered vehicles in metro Atlanta, reducing the amount of single-occupant vehicle miles driven is one of the single biggest things we can do to significantly impact air pollution and traffic congestion.

11. Isn't the airport the region's biggest polluter?
A: Non-road mobile sources, such as airplanes, make up about 20% of nitrogen oxide - or NOx - emissions in metro Atlanta. NOx is one of two pollutants that combine to form ground-level ozone. The impact of only airport operations (planes and ground equipment) is just 3% of NOx emissions in the 13-county metro Atlanta region. On-road mobile sources like cars and trucks account for more than 50% of NOx emissions in the 13-county region.