New IDEM video aims to knockout ozone

Public service announcement part of summer awareness blitz

As part of a summer air quality media campaign to educate the public about ozone reduction activities, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has released a new public service announcement titled “Ozone Knockout 2008: Good Up High, Bad Nearby.”

“We created this video to coincide with outreach activities we are conducting throughout the state,” said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. “There are many simple ways to prevent ground-level ozone and it’s our goal to let people know what those ways are.”

Besides carpooling and using public transportation, IDEM recommends filling up vehicle gas tanks and mowing the lawn after 7 p.m. and refraining from idling in drive though lines. Buying electric powered lawn equipment is also helpful because using one gallon of gas in a lawn mower creates the same amount of emissions as driving a car 240 miles.

Historically, Indiana measures higher ozone levels during the last two weeks of June than other times during the year. Through its statewide Ozone Knockout campaign, IDEM is urging Hoosier citizens and businesses to take action from June 16 to June 30 and reduce activities that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone forms when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, emissions and gasoline vapors.

Air quality in Indiana has improved in recent years as a result of new regulations and voluntary efforts to reduce emissions. Through simple actions at home and at work, Hoosiers can continue to contribute to cleaner air. The PSA and more information about the Ozone Knockout campaign can be found at http://www.ozoneknockout.in.gov.

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