Celebrate Earth Day with Georgia’s Clean Air Force

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, a partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), is celebrating Earth Day by encouraging motorists to take four steps to cleaner air in Georgia.

Since 1996, Georgia's Inspection and Maintenance Program has identified and repaired more than 3.2 million heavy-polluting vehicles. This has played a part in preventing more than 1.6 million tons of harmful ozone-forming pollutants from entering the air we breathe.

“Earth Day serves as an annual reminder of the simple ways that motorists can reduce their emissions footprint and contribute to cleaner air in Georgia,” said Pamela Earl, Program Manager, Mobile & Area Sources, EPD. “By following these four tips, you can play an important role in reducing harmful pollutants from entering the air we breathe.”

Reboot Your Commute. Shake things up. Pledge to start or join a neighborhood carpool to work or school. Even better, ask your boss if you can telecommute. Leaving your car at home just two days per week can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer harmful vehicle pollutants are entering the air that we breathe.

Streamline Driving Efficiency. Once per season, make an effort to find ways to improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. For instance, take a look at the unnecessary items hiding in your trunk. For every extra 100 pounds, a typical vehicle's fuel economy is estimated to be reduced by 1-2 percent.

Combine Your Trips. Get all of your errands done at one time instead of taking separate trips, or alternate driving to the grocery store each week with a friend or neighbor. Not only will you reduce the amount of harmful vehicle emissions, but you'll also save the two things that everyone wants more of – time and money.

Don’t Drive Angry. Rapid acceleration and braking and speeding are not only unsafe, but it also increases harmful vehicle emissions and can drain your wallet. According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower gas mileage in light-duty vehicles by anywhere from 10 to 40 percent (city) or 15 to 30 percent (highway). This is the equivalent of losing $0.25 to $1 per gallon.

For additional information, visit www.cleanairforce.com.

About Georgia’s Clean Air Force

Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), is responsible for the management of the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program throughout Atlanta's 13 metro counties. Since 1996, Georgia's Inspection and Maintenance Program has prevented more than 1.6 million tons of harmful ozone-forming pollutants from entering the air we breathe, the equivalent of removing 13,400 vehicles from the road or planting more than 400 million trees. It is estimated that Georgia residents have saved $311 million in utility bills since 1996 due to cleaner air. The program has also identified and repaired more than 3.2 million heavy-polluting vehicles. For more information, please visit www.cleanairforce.com.