Cleaner Air Efforts in Southwest Michigan

Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties receive federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funding, as a way to improve air quality in Southwest Michigan.  The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission coordinates CMAQ funding for Berrien County.  Click here for more information on CMAQ.

To see up-to-date air quality measurements for Coloma, Michigan, click here.

To see up-to-date air quality measurements for Cassopolis, Michigan, click here.

To subscribe to clean air updates from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, click here.

The world's scientific community has concluded with a very high level of confidence that emissions of greenhouse gases are causing the Earth's climate to warm. Throughout the world, business leaders, governments, and the public are all recognizing the potential impacts of climate change on the economy, environment, and our quality of life. The State of Michigan can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through encouraging technology innovation and the adoption of policies that provide net economic and environmental benefits.  Click here to access the Michigan Climate Action Plan.

The Benton Harbor - St. Joseph area now has a Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum!  It holds Sunset Coast Green Drinks mixers at 5:00pm on the second Wednesday of every month, and educational events monthly.  Locations vary throughout St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.  For more information contact group chair Becky Kliss of Great Lakes Cleaning at beckyk@greatlakescleaning.com or (269) 983-3050. Visit them on the web at http://www.mgssbf.org/

Transportation accounts for 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the US (EPA).  So, you can protect the planet by driving less.  Combine trips, carpool, walk, bike, and ride public transit! 

The Rideshare Program for Southwest Michigan has a carpool database that will match you up with someone to rideshare with.  Southwest Michigan now has new scheduled bus routes for the greater Benton Harbor - St. Joseph area, with new service areas in Lincoln Township and St. Joseph Township.  The bus route schedules and maps are available here. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has resources to help you learn what you can do for cleaner air, including: a Citizen's Guide to Participation in Michigan's Air Pollution Control Program, a consumer product guide, air quality rules and regulations, and environmental consultant assistance. 

Home Radon Testing is easy and inexpensive, and test kits are available from county health departments all across the state, usually for $15 or less. For more information, visit the DEQ Web site or contact the DEQ Radon Program at 1-800-RADON GAS (1-800-723-6642).