To improve Oklahoma air quality, especially for our children, DEQ announces $700,000 in grant funding available for schools to replace their old smelly diesel school buses! This is a first-come, first-serve opportunity. The first complete applications with eligible projects will be awarded! Applications will be accepted until all funding has been awarded. For more info Go to the Oklahoma Clean Diesel (DERA) Program webpage.
An Air Quality Advisory Council meeting will be held on July 30 at the DEQ headquarters. The proposed rules and other meeting materials have been posted. Go to the July meeting page
DEQ will soon be updating both Subchapter 49 and form #100-240 in response to recent statutory changes to the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program. However, the rebate program (OAC 252:100-49) is in effect, and the rebate claim application (DEQ Form #100-240) is available for qualifying Emission Reduction Projects (ERPs) from Oklahoma's Oil & Gas industry (requires a $1,000 non-refundable review and processing fee). The deadline for submitting rebate claims for FY25 ERPs is 12/31/25.

Note: The 2024 Oklahoma Legislature appropriated $50 million for the newly-renamed "Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Upstream and Midstream Incentive Revolving Fund." No funds have yet been appropriated for the newly-created "Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Downstream Incentive Revolving Fund" (for petroleum refineries).
With funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement, DEQ has developed several new programs to promote healthier air quality across the state. More info: Volkswagen Settlement

What is Air Quality?

The amount of pollution in the air from all sources – natural and human – defines the quality of the air we breathe. Air pollution isn’t limited to our cities; it can blow into any part of Oklahoma from neighboring states.

Bad air quality can affect everybody’s health. It can have direct effects on the lungs, and it can worsen an existing condition, such as asthma. Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others. These include young children who are growing rapidly and older adults who have reduced immune systems.

Poor public health also incurs economic costs for society, e.g., increased healthcare costs and loss of working days. A clean environment makes Oklahoma an attractive place to live, work and play: something we can all be proud of.

What does the Air Quality Division do?

The Air Quality Division operates various programs to carry out DEQ’s regulatory duties under state and federal law.

Air Monitoring

Measures the ambient (outdoor) air quality across Oklahoma

Air quality forecasts, alerts, and health advisories

Air Toxics

Air Permits

Issues permits to companies with facilities that produce air pollutant emissions

Emissions Inventory

Collects data about emissions released into the air from all Oklahoma sources

Compliance & Enforcement

Inspects air pollution sources based on permits and potential violations

Asbestos

Lead-Based Paint

Certification and accreditation program

Rules & Planning

Reviews and proposes rule changes to the Air Quality Advisory Council

Researches and develops regulatory strategies