DNR report: Wisconsin's air quality has improved over last 15 years

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's air quality has improved over the last 15 years, according to report state environmental officials released Friday.

The Department of Natural Resources study analyzed air pollution data from 2001 to 2019. The study concluded that air quality continues to improve.

Concentrations of a host of pollutants, including ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, have decreased in the state and currently 95% of the population lives in areas meeting all federal air quality standards.

Most notably, air quality along Lake Michigan, which has historically struggled with high levels of ozone, is improving. Overall the region has seen a 25% average reduction in ozone concentrations from the 2001-2003 to the 2017-2019 monitoring periods.

The report attributes the improvements to a range of federal and state control programs.