Air quality in the Kansas City region: How local governments can help

The Kansas City region has entered the ozone season, which runs through Oct. 31. Over the years, ozone seasons have brought a mix of progress and challenges. Long-term air quality trends show improvement, yet recent summers have delivered a clear warning that our region remains vulnerable to high ozone days that threaten public health, strain local resources and push us closer to federal nonattainment status, according to Karen Clawson, MARC's air and mobility programs manager. The ozone season so far and this year’s outlook indicate that June to August will be the peak of ozone action alert days.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, equipment and industrial activity react in sunlight. It is not emitted directly. It is created by the daily choices and operations that keep our communities running. 

"That means local governments have a significant ability to protect residents, especially on days when weather conditions make ozone formation more likely," Clawson said.

The Kansas City region has a long history of collaboration, and air quality is one of the clearest areas where collective action works, Clawson said.

Strengthen communication on high ozone days 

One of the most effective tools local governments have is communication," Clawson said. "When an Ozone Action Alert Day is issued, the speed and clarity of internal messaging can determine how quickly departments can adjust operations." Clawson said residents can sign up to receive early notification on alert days. Cities can amplify messages through mass emails to staff, provide signage on video boards and promote social media updates. 

Support cleaner commuting and flexible schedules 

Local governments can encourage carpooling, bike commuting, transit use and telework, Clawson suggested. "Allowing employees to adjust start times to arrive earlier or later on high-ozone days reduces congestion during peak sunlight hours, when ozone formation is strongest. She said MARC’s WAY TO GO program can help cities develop an employee commute program and use WAY TO GO’s ride-matching and trip planning software.

Electrify fleets and equipment 

Transitioning to electric vehicles and battery-powered tools reduces emissions year-round. Even incremental steps, such as replacing gas-powered mowers or handheld tools, is especially helpful in reducing local ozone pollution at a time when its most needed. 

Ensure contractors follow municipal air quality practices 

Cities and counties can also require contractors to adopt the same ozone day adjustments as municipal staff, Clawson said.

Public works 

• Limit idling. Restricting idling to two minutes per hour can save fuel and cut emissions. 
• Shift fueling times. Fuel vehicles before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to reduce evaporative emissions. Also, avoid “topping off” tanks. 
• Avoid setting up street closures on high ozone days. Road closures can increase traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. 

Parks and recreation 

• Delay mowing until evening. Delay mowing until the evening, when ozone formation slows. 
• Shift to electric equipment. Electric mowers and power washers reduce emissions and noise. 
• Avoid open burning and chemical use. Staff should refrain from starting barbecues or campfires. It's also best to avoid using paints or pesticides that contain volatile organic compounds or carbon-containing chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. 

Planning and development 

• Increase tree canopy to provide shade and improve air quality. 
• Reduce vehicle trips through thoughtful design, using tools such as the EPA Mixed-Use Trip Generation Model. 
• Integrate sustainability into codes and standards to support long-term air quality goals. The MARC Planning Sustainable Places Hub has more information.