Governor Sonny Perdue Highlights Improvement in Atlanta Air Quality

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the findings of a report compiled by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) that confirms air quality in metropolitan Atlanta has improved steadily over the last three years.

"This is good news for Georgia. The Atlanta region is making clear progress on its air quality," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "The region and the state must work hard to continue this progress. I applaud the effort that GRTA, its partners, and private industry are making toward these goals. Improved air quality is great for our families, the environment, and for keeping Georgia an attractive place to live and work."

The GRTA 2002 Annual Air Quality Report outlines air quality issues for the region and programs that address improving the region's air quality. GRTA is required each year to provide the Governor with a report that provides targets for air quality improvements and information on progress made toward achieving those targets.

This year's report shows that progress has been made toward reducing ozone levels in the region over the last three years. A number of factors have contributed to that progress, including the reduction in vehicle miles traveled per person, the attrition of older, more likely to pollute vehicles and favorable weather conditions. While the recent trend is positive, the region must implement and advocate a variety of actions to insure that the trend toward cleaner air for the region continues.

Copies of the report are available from GRTA's offices or at www.grta.org.