WHO: Maricopa County Air Quality Department
WHAT: Maricopa County Air Quality Department will announce the kickoff of the 2017 “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better” campaign. This campaign is designed to protect public health, keep Maricopa County in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality standards and inform residents about cleaner alternatives to wood burning. The press conference will include elected officials, healthcare professionals and local business representatives.
Maricopa County Air Quality Department will also announce its new program Propane Fire Pit Program, which will allow residents the opportunity to help reduce air pollution caused by outdoor wood burning fire pits. There will also be an update on the Fireplace Retrofit Program (MCFRP). The MCFRP program will at no charge to the homeowner, retrofit a wood burning fireplace with an air pollution reduction device or with a natural gas log set, if the home meets installation requirements. The department will also introduce its new educational kiosks. These interactive kiosks will provide an engaging experience for families to learn about air quality issues in the county.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
WHERE: South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S Central Ave, Phoenix
WHY: Smoke from wood burning fireplaces and outdoor chimineas, as well as ground level consumer fireworks, poses a serious health risk to the elderly, children with asthma and people with respiratory issues. Maricopa County also risks falling out of compliance with federal health standards, which could mean more burdensome and costly federal regulations.
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Contacts:
MCAQD – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose mission is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. 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. Please visit Cleanairmakemore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell
Burn Cleaner, Burn Better Campaign Website: CleanAirMakeMore.com
Learn more and support the Burn Cleaner, Burn Better air quality campaign via social media:
Facebook: @CleanAirMakeMore
Twitter: @CleanAirMakeMor
Hashtags: #BurnCleanerBurnBetter #CleanAirMakeMore #MCAQD #CleanAir #NoBurnDay #AirQuality #CleanerAlternatives #Electric #GasFireplace #GasFirePits #GasLogs #NatGas #PelletStove #OilFurnace #CleanTech #CleanerBurning #AirPollution