North Dakota Department of Commerce

BISMARCK — Fargo is one of the cleanest cities in the nation, according to the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2007 report card. The Association’s annual air quality report card also awarded North Dakota with straight A’s for its air quality in the eight counties monitored.

Fargo was one of only three cities nationwide to earn a top spot on three separate lists created by the American Lung Association (ALA). The ALA graded cities and counties according to ozone pollution, 24-hour particle pollution and annual particle pollution. Bismarck received high marks in the report, missing the top spots on only one of the three lists. Rapid City, S.D., and Salinas, Calif., joined Fargo on all three lists.

“This report reaffirms one of North Dakota’s greatest qualities – clean air and a clean environment,” North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said. “It also speaks to the significant commitment North Dakota industries, especially energy, have made to be good environmental stewards and respectful corporate citizens.”

North Dakota was able to maintain its high standard of air quality even as its neighbors’ grades deteriorated. Poor air quality grades are expected in or near large metropolitan areas such as Minneapolis. However, failing scores in some areas in rural Iowa and Wisconsin without heavy concentrations of industry or vehicles suggest that local residents’ quality of life and health is being threatened not only by air pollution they have generated, but also by pollution sources that are crossing county and state lines, ALA reported. North Dakota is part of the ALA Upper Midwest region, which includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

To see the air quality grades by county, go to http://www.lungusa.org

The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the quality of life in North Dakota by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer exceptional programs and dynamic service.

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