Lawton, OK – At the April 22 City Council meeting, the City of Lawton officially declared the week of May 5–9 as Air Quality Awareness Week.
The proclamation, presented on Earth Day, was accepted by Hope Davis and Christine James, who also announced the winners of this year’s Clean Air Drawing Contest: Marty Sheffield (3rd grade), Bryan Flores (2nd grade), August McCoy (1st grade), and Kheelan Thomas (kindergarten).
The proclamation highlighted the risks of ozone pollution, especially during the summer months, which can pose significant health threats to vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with lung or heart conditions.
Mobile sources, including automobiles and lawn equipment, contribute to over 50 percent of air pollution in the United States, making it vital for communities to take action in reducing emissions.
To help residents stay informed and protect public health, the Air Quality Index (AQI) provides daily updates on air conditions, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions when needed.
The City of Lawton has implemented several measures to improve local air quality, including optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions.
Additionally, on days when air alerts are issued, the Water Department drive-through is closed, and residents are encouraged to use public transportation by taking advantage of half-price tickets offered for the Lawton Area Transit System (LATS).
Through collaborations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), the City of Lawton is working to raise public awareness, educate the community on the causes of poor air quality, and promote actions that contribute to a healthier environment for all residents.
