The number of poor air-quality days in Virginia dropped from 76 in 1999 to three in 2009, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
This summer was the best on record.
“By tackling ozone pollution in particular, we’re making steady gains that protect the environment, promote human health, and will continue to benefit Virginians for generations to come,“ said Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.
The downward trend in Virginia occurred in all parts of the state that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated as not meeting air-quality standards.
During the last 10 years:
Metropolitan Richmond declined from 47 poor air-quality days to zero.
Hampton Roads declined from 32 days to zero.
Northern Virginia declined from 48 days to three.
Kaine said stronger emission controls on power plants and other industrial sources, as well as cleaner motor vehicles have contributed to improved air quality in Virginia.
Controls were implemented in the late 1990s and again in 2004.
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