For Immediate Release

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Spanish-language Web site launched to prevent summer ozone

Denver, Colo. (August 4, 2005) – The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) today announced the launch of www.OzoneAware.org/espanol, an informative and educational Spanish-language Web site aimed at raising awareness of ground-level ozone.

The site provides information in Spanish on ground-level ozone and encourages citizens in the Front Range area to take simple and voluntary actions to reduce ozone-causing emissions.

“Air quality is an issue that affects everyone, and the public’s contribution to ozone formation is significant. Our summer ozone campaign centers on encouraging all area residents to get involved in reducing emissions which cause ozone formation,” said Ken Lloyd, Executive Director of the Regional Air Quality Council.

The RAQC originally launched the site www.OzoneAware.org in June 2005, as a component of the “Let’s Take Care of Our Summer Air” campaign, which focuses on reducing the public’s contribution to ozone-causing emissions. The RAQC recognizes the significance of the Hispanic community in Colorado and is seeking to expand its outreach to this community.

Other components of the RAQC’s summer ozone campaign include an advertising campaign, special events and performances at community events by the Clean Air Crew, a group of dance students from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance who lead the grassroots effort to get the ozone message out to the public this summer.
Ground-level ozone is the Front Range’s most pressing summertime air quality issue. Ground-level ozone is formed when emissions from everyday items – such as local industry, gasoline-powered lawn equipment and vehicles, and household paints, stains and solvents – react with other pollutants in the heat and sunlight.

For additional information on ground-level ozone, please visit www.OzoneAware.org/espanol or the RAQC’s Web site at www.raqc.org or call (303) 629-5450.

About Regional Air Quality Council
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, business, and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region.


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