With funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement, DEQ has been able to develop several new programs to promote healthier air quality across the state. The ChargeOK Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program is now open for a second round of applications until September 8, 2020. $1.1 million is available to install charging stations at 15 target locations. Learn More
The Air Quality Advisory Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 22 as a virtual meeting to seek additional review and input from the Council and the public regarding the proposed rule changes to DEQ's air quality permitting program. The agenda and proposed rules have been posted. Go to the July meeting page
In order to facilitate social distancing measures during this time and support industry in their continued compliance with environmental permitting and reporting requirements, AQD is encouraging our industry partners to submit permit applications, annual and semiannual reporting, and any questions through email to the permitting and compliance staff through the following contacts:

Permitting: Richard Kienlen and Phillip Fielder      Compliance: Compliance and Enforcement
SO2 annual report for reviewSO2 annual report for review
The draft SO2 Annual Report is available for public inspection and comment through July 13, 2020. The report contains an annual comparison of SO2 emissions from four applicable sources in counties that were designated as attainment/unclassifiable for the 2010 primary SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) based on modeling submitted by DEQ. View the draft report. 
Effective November 2019, the TANKS emissions estimation software is now outdated and unsupported by EPA. Please use calculation methods provided in AP-42 Chapter 7, Section 7.1- Organic Liquid Storage Tanks (11/19) for working and breathing losses from volatile organic liquid storage tanks. The new AP-42 method corrects errors for more accurate estimates. More Information
Oklahoma's ozone season runs from March to November, months where there is enough sunlight to promote ozone formation. Automobile combustion engines are one source of ozone precursor chemicals. For short trips, consider walking or cycling to your destination. What will you do for cleaner air? 
Does your Gasoling Dispensing Facility (GDF) need a permit? Check out our new FAQs and brochure on our General Permits & Permits By Rule page. For more information, please contact Cecelia Kleman.

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