Partnerships aim to decrease air pollution this holiday season
PHOENIX (October 15, 2019) – For the third consecutive year, the Arizona Propane Gas Association in partnership with the Arizona Propane Education & Research Foundation has agreed to support the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s (MCAQD) effort to help keep our air clean and residents healthy this winter with their annual Burn Cleaner, Burn Better campaign.
Stagnant air is common Oct. 1 to Feb. 1, when cold temperature inversions trap smoke and other pollution close to the ground. A combination of wood-burning and stagnant weather conditions can cause poor air quality. While currently in attainment per the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) PM-2.5 air quality health standard, Maricopa County air monitors have detected levels approaching violations of the standard.
That is why the two groups are continuing their partnership with MCAQD to help reduce PM-2.5 (smoke) emissions by offering an additional $25 off the purchase of an outdoor propane fire pit in addition to $50 offered by the air quality department. The first 1,000 county residents that sign up for the Propane Fire Pit Program will receive vouchers worth $75 off the purchase of an outdoor propane fire pit. Vouchers are only valid for purchase at participating Home Depot locations.
“As Chairman, I’ve challenged county leaders to identify opportunities for innovative and inclusive smart government programs. The Propane Fire Pit Program is just that,” said Bill Gates, District 3, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. “This type of partnership improves our community health and moves Maricopa County forward by giving people an incentive for cleaner outdoor burning in the fall and winter months.”
The Propane Fire Pit Program is part of MCAQD’s Burn Better, Burn Cleaner Campaign. Both the campaign and program were developed to improve public health, combat poor seasonal air quality, and provide cleaner-burning options for wood burning activities. By assisting residents in obtaining cleaner-burning devices, the outdoor Propane Fire Pit Program will aid in the reduction of PM2.5 and county residents will benefit.
Program participants will also receive valuable safety information and tips from the Arizona Propane Gas Association for participating in the program.
“We feel that this partnership is a highly effective way to help reduce harmful emissions while promoting clean-burning propane and all of the safety benefits it has to offer.” Dave Barrett, Arizona Propane Gas Association president said. "The Arizona Propane Gas Association is excited to continue our partnership with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department and to help better the health of our community.”
Maricopa County residents may sign up at: CleanAirMakeMore.com/firepit
For more information contact firepit@maricopa.gov
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The mission of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.
The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Visit CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
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