Improving Air Quality in Cincinnati with Low Emission Zones

Abstract

Record ID: 99

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Video

Abstract: As transportation needs around Cincinnati increase, the subsequent air quality will continue to be impacted. Cincinnati has struggled with maintaining EPA air quality and pollutant standards throughout its history. These air quality issues become even more exacerbated during the warm summer months when the ground-level ozone and humidity spike. The Green Cincinnati Plan attempts to find a solution that improves the overall air quality while concurrently improving living standards through community action. Though no current plan exists to reach the goal, we can look into how other cities have mitigated these same concerns. Our specific question is: how can we improve air quality to better improve the quality of life for our citizens?  The answer could be through the implementation of low-emission zones. These zones are a type of vehicle access restriction plans that limit access to an area by the most polluting vehicles. Further research on how Cincinnati can implement a plan similar to these zones could improve air quality while reducing other car-related issues such as noise and light pollution. This work's outcome could help improve Cincinnati citizens' quality of life and focus on sustainable community actions.