By KRWG News
New Mexico – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $145,029 to the New Mexico Environment Department to purchase ambient air monitoring equipment.
The equipment will be used to increase efficiency of captured data in New Mexico's border region and oil and natural gas producing areas.
EPA uses ambient air monitoring information collected from states to calculate daily air quality statistics. The data indicates pollution levels and gives a breakdown of associated health effects that may be a concern to humans and the environment.
EPA's ambient air quality monitoring program is carried out by state and local agencies. EPA regularly assists state and local agencies in planning, developing, establishing and improving their respective air programs for the prevention and control of air pollution.
Projects also focus on addressing environmental justice concerns in communities. Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
EPA encourages people to support action for healthy air by driving less, saving energy, reducing waste and choosing air-friendly products.