Environmental Quality Branch

BC Air Action Plan

The government of British Columbia is celebrating Clean Air Day with the release of the BC Air Action Plan, which allocates $28.5 million over three years to improve and enhance air quality across the province and protect British Columbians' health.

The plan outlines 28 major actions that will address air pollution from all sources. Some of the actions have already been started, and all are expected to be in place by 2009.

Take Action: click here to pledge to be idle free!

The Idle-Free Ambassador Project is a new community-based initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment in May 2008. The ambassadors, who represent B.C.’s new Youth Climate Leadership Alliance, are promoting idle reduction through outreach campaigns across the province.

Clean Air Day has just passed: it's on the first Wednesday in June, every year. Visit the Clean Air Day site for more information, and to get clean air posters. Here's how you can use clean air habits all year long.

The latest clean-air poster and A Teacher's Guide to Air Quality are based on the Clean Air Crusaders: Captain Air, the Green Protector and the Winged Wonder. Take a look at the Clean Air Day site to find out more.

Captain Air

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a new, national health initiative that provides real-time air quality readings and related health messages. People can make more informed choices about limiting their exposure to poor air quality and reducing their risk for health problems.

As a lead partner in launching this program, the Ministry of Environment reports the AQHI in 14 BC communities, representing about 80% of British Columbians.

How We Work

The Environmental Quality Branch develops legislation and policies, and works with regional staff to protect air quality, and to address municipal liquid and solid waste. The branch leads the development and management of industry product-stewardship programs.

It sets standards for, and does monitoring and reporting for, ambient air and water (surface and ground water) quality. The branch is a co-leader within the B.C. government in developing and implementing measures to address global climate change.

A "clean air" day and a "poor air" day at
Okanagan Lake Bridge, British Columbia.