About Us - AQMD

History

1972 – The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) was established as part of an interlocal agreement between Washoe County, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks. Originally created in response to the federal Clean Air Act of 1970, the division was tasked with implementing local strategies to monitor and control air pollution in Washoe County.

1981 – The Washoe County District Board of Health formally adopted air quality regulations, solidifying AQMD's role in enforcing standards and issuing permits for industrial and commercial sources. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the division expanded its monitoring network and regulatory programs in response to population growth, increased vehicle emissions, and evolving federal standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

2016 – A major milestone occurred when the region achieved attainment status for PM10, thanks to targeted controls over several decades such as enhanced street sweeping, construction dust management, public outreach, and the Wood-Burning Device Program. Since then, AQMD has continued to enhance its efforts to address pollutants such as ozone and PM2.5, while also responding to new challenges such as wildfire smoke and climate-related impacts on air quality.

2023 – To better reflect its regional scope and commitment to modern public health challenges, Northern Nevada Public Health adopted a new name, Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH).

Today, the AQMD operates a network of advanced air monitoring stations, oversees compliance and permitting for hundreds of emission sources, and leads public outreach programs to educate and empower our community. AQMD remains in attainment of all National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), reflecting its continued commitment to protecting public health and the environment.