Thank you for your participation on Ozone Action Days!

Thanks to each and every one of you for doing your part to reduce air pollution on the Ozone Action Days of the summer of 2005!

A total of 10 days were declared, and the season ended on September 15, 2005. Cool temperatures will now prevail, allowing the formation of fine particulates (soot) but not ozone. For more information on fine particulates, visit our website.

Save Gas, Money and the Air

While gas prices continue to be high, please consider staying with alternate forms of transportation. It reduces air pollution and saves you money! Don't forget to visit the Ozone Action Day web page for more fuel saving tips. Here is a special for rail travel on Amtrak, good for September through December:

Amtrak Share Fares

Here's how it works: When you purchase two tickets on Amtrak trains in the Northeast, others in your party - up to four additional people - travel for 90% off the regular fare.

You can purchase tickets up until September 30, 2005, for travel through December 15, 2005. Additional terms and conditions apply.

To book your savings, please visit Amtrak on line.

Forward this message to a friend today! And please ride your local bus or RideShare every day. Your efforts have made a difference! Thanks from your Ozone Action Day Program in Northeast Ohio!

Why Should You Care?

Northeast Ohio has not attained the clean air standards set by the the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Achieving clean air will improve everyone's health, improve quality of life, and prevent Northeast Ohio from losing federal highway funds. More information can be found here.

What Can You Do?

Businesses, individuals, and local governments are urged to take voluntary actions to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to excessive ground-level ozone creation on these days. In hot weather, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions react with each other in the presence of the sunlight to form ground-level ozone. By taking the following actions, people and businesses can help to reduce ozone pollution and its health impacts.

• Decrease Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) Trips. Walk rather than drive to local stores. Bicycle to further destinations. Take a bus, carpool, or vanpool to work and recreational activities. Reducing vehicles and congestion will minimize the contribution of the automobile to the ozone problem.


• Combine Trips. Combining errands into a single trip (trip chaining) will reduce the number of miles you travel in your car, and also reduce air pollution.


• Take the Bus / Ride the Train. This summer’s focus is to encourage people to take alternate transportation as a means to reduce automobile emissions. Taking the bus or riding the train will also save you GAS money.


• Don't Refuel Vehicles or Equipment. If you absolutely have to, do it after 7:00 P.M., avoid spilling or dripping gasoline, and don't top off the tank. Always make sure that gas caps are tightly sealed.
• Avoid Lawn Care Activities Involving Gasoline-Powered Equipment. Lawn equipment engines are generally inefficient and can be a considerable source of pollution.


• Limit Solvent Use. This includes charcoal lighter fluid, dry cleaning fluids, and oil based paints. Generally speaking, if a match would ignite it, a liquid will contribute to ozone formation as it evaporates.


• Reduce Power Demand. The demand for electricity is generally at a peak on Ozone Action Days. Cutting back on air conditioning, turning fans and lights off when not home or in the room, and minimizing trips to the refrigerator will decrease demand on and emissions from electric power generation plants.