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 Monitoring and Assessment
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 Inspections, Investigations, and Enforcement
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.
Vehicle Emissions 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.
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 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.
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: The Year in Review on May 6, 2026 at 5:30pm (virtual)
Join us for a review of the District's air quality over the past year! DOEE’s Air Quality Division has been working hard all year to keep our air clean and protect your health! As part of Air Quality Awareness Week (May 4th - May 8th), we’re hosting this meeting so you can learn more about our recent activities, like the installation of our low-cost sensor network and engine idling enforcement. We’ll also provide details on our current and upcoming activities and answer your questions.
Register at: Clearing the Air: The Year in Review Tickets, Wednesday, May 6 • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM EDT | Eventbrite
- Air Quality Monitoring Park Bench Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Ward 8) on May 7 at 3:00pm
We’re hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the installation of new solar-powered air quality monitoring benches in the District. These innovative benches, now located in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8, were installed based on recommendations from community members and air quality experts. Each bench is equipped with real-time air monitoring technology, providing valuable environmental data to help residents better understand the air they breathe. During the event, attendees will learn about the purpose and benefits of the benches, receive guidance on how to access and interpret the data collected, and have the opportunity to engage directly with DOEE staff during a Q&A session.
Register at: Air Quality Monitoring Park Bench Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Ward 8) Tickets, Thursday, May 7 • 3 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
- Community Walk for Air Quality Awareness on May 8, 2026 at 10:00am (in person)
Join our Air Quality Division for a guided walk in Eckington. This interactive event offers residents an opportunity to learn more about local air quality while engaging directly with DOEE experts. During the walk, DOEE staff, including air quality managers, inspectors, and technical personnel, will demonstrate the use of handheld air quality monitors and a nasal ranger, a specialized device used to measure ambient odor strength. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and gain a deeper understanding of how air quality is monitored and managed in their community. We’ll meet at the entrance to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station at 10am.
Register at: Community Walk for Air Quality Awareness Tickets, Friday, May 8 • 10 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite
- Clearing the Air: Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring in Ward 8 on April 9, 2026 at 5:30pm (virtual)
The District's ambient air quality monitor in Ward 8 turned 2 and we held a community meeting to celebrate! We talked about the latest installed measuring instruments and provided a first look at two years of data and a walk down memory lane to understand the history of this site, including how we chose the location.
- View past Air Quality Events >>
Volkswagen Settlement
The District received a total of $8.125 million from the Volkswagen settlement over their use of vehicle emission cheating devices. Read More>>