What We Do

The Air Resources Division, together with parks and other National Park Service offices, monitors air quality conditions in parks and conducts research to better understand the sources and effects of air pollution. Additionally, because most pollution in national parks comes from outside park boundaries, the Air Resources Division facilitates NPS partnerships with air regulators, industries, and other stakeholders to reduce air pollution. Less pollution means cleaner air, clearer views and healthier ecosystems for parks and nearby communities.

National parks are also doing their part to reduce air pollution through environmental management systems and sustainable operations in activities such as transportation, and by embracing energy efficiency and alternative energy sources.

Hiker overlooking a mountain range
Old Rag summit in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

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Last updated: August 27, 2015