The Air Quality Division works to protect the health and welfare of District residents, visitors, and the natural environment by reducing the concentration of pollutants in the outdoor air. The Division issues permits, performs permit inspection and enforcement of laws, and monitors air quality while developing plans for its improvement.
Apply for an Air Pollutant Permit
The Division reviews designs and modifications for new and existing pollution sources and controls. Permits are issued allowing sources to emit limited amounts of pollution, meeting air quality laws.
Air Quality Inspections, Enforcement, and Outreach
The Division inspects major and minor sources of air pollution in the District, enforces air quality laws (including responding to outdoor air pollution problems), and performs education and outreach on air quality issues.
Related work includes:
Asbestos Abatement
Ensures that asbestos removal contractors protect their own health and safety, and the health and safety of building occupants and the general public.
Air Quality Exceptional Events
Air quality exceptional events are unusual or naturally occurring events that can affect air quality but are not reasonably controllable using techniques that DOEE's air agency may implement to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Vehicle Anti-Idling
With a few exceptions, motor vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel are not allowed to idle for more than three minutes while the vehicle is parked, stopped or standing.
Odor Control
DOEE odor regulations require certain facilities known to produce odors to develop an Odor Control Plan (OCP) subject to DOEE approval.
Air Quality Monitoring
Staff maintain and operate a 24-hour ambient air quality monitoring network that allows for accurate reporting of current air quality in the District.
Air Quality Regulations
Air quality regulations focus on reducing emissions from a variety of sources, including industrial and commercial buildings, vehicles, and construction.
Air Quality Planning
Information is synthesized during the air quality planning process to identify and implement strategies for air quality improvement.
Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
Staff conduct performance audits and program monitoring to measure how effectively the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program controls pollution from light and medium-duty gasoline vehicles in the District.
Mobile Community Air Monitoring Pilot Project
DOEE partnered with air quality and climate tech leader Aclima to launch an air quality monitoring pilot program in three priority communities. This project provides block-by-block information, on air pollution in these communities.
DOEE Sensor Loan Program
DOEE is working to better track air pollution in local neighborhoods by involving residents in the PurpleAir sensor project.
Air Quality Events
- Clearing the Air Webinar: The Year in the District's Air on Tuesday May 5th from 5:30 - 6:30pm. (virtual)
During this meeting, we’ll provide an overview of what DOEE’s Air Quality Division has been doing lately and what our plans are for the rest of the year. Please register to receive the link to attend: Clearing the Air: Year in Review of the District's Air Tickets, Tue, May 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite -
Open House: Takoma Recreation Center Monitoring Station on Wednesday, May 7th from 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Takoma Recreation Center Monitoring Station, 300 Van Buren St. NW
We are opening of our stationary monitors to the public to show District residents a little about what our air quality monitoring team does every day. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the air quality monitoring equipment and speak to members of our monitoring team. -
Online Showing of Idle Warriors Short Documentary on Thursday, May 8th from 5:30-6:30pm (virtual).
Join us for a screening of the documentary short Idle Warriors by filmmaker Molly Stark-Ragsdale and a discussion about the District’s engine idling enforcement program. Please register to receive the link to attend: Documentary Screening: Idle Warriors directed by Molly Stark-Ragsdale Tickets, Thu, May 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite - Clearing the Air Community Workshop Series
Clearing the Air Workshops are an opportunity for the public to learn about DOEE's Air Quality Division. During these sessions we'll cover everything from the science of air pollution to the laws and regulations that protect our health from harmful emissions. Recordings of past events and notifications of upcoming events are available.
- View past Air Quality Events >>
Volkswagen Settlement
The District is expected to receive a total of $8.125 million from the Volkswagen settlement over their use of vehicle emission cheating devices. Read More>>