Our personal transportation choices have a huge impact on air quality. What we drive and how we drive impacts the environment. Motor vehicles give off more than half of all carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions in Minnesota. These emissions, including microscopic particles, can contribute to breathing and heart problems along with an elevated risk of cancer.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency works with the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce air quality standards, and reduce motor vehicle pollution. The MPCA promotes technologies, fuels and driving habits that reduce emissions and fuel consumption for consumers and fleet operators.
How to reduce air pollution from cars and trucks
From walking to work to carpooling, there are lots of ways you can reduce your impact. Discover your commuting style. Since most pollution from cars and trucks is due to the burning of fuel, you can reduce pollution from these sources by burning less fuel, burning fuel cleaner and burning cleaner fuel.
Burn less fuel
- Next time you purchase a vehicle, buy the most fuel efficient vehicle that meets your average daily needs, preferably one that is rated at 32 MPG or more. Rent or borrow a larger vehicle or trailer for the occasional large load: GreenerCars.com
- If you have more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one possible: U.S. Department of Energy, Fuel Economy Site
- Use transit and car- or van-pool as often as you can. Doing so three times a week can reduce your fuel consumption up to 50%.
- Bike or walk to avoid fuel use entirely.
- Telecommute (working from a home-based location via phone or Internet) to reduce driving: Midwest Institute for Telecommuting Education (MITE)
- Minimize driving by working and playing closer to home.
- Plan errands to avoid unnecessary driving.
- Accelerate gradually — a smooth start uses less fuel
Burn fuel cleaner
- Keep your vehicle well-tuned and tires inflated properly to reduce exhaust emissions.
- Combine errands into one trip — cars pollute less when they are warmed up.
- Avoid idling — idling exhaust contains more pollutants than running exhaust.
- If you purchase a new car, look for a low emission vehicle or LEV (see under-hood sticker): GreenerCars.com
Burn cleaner fuel
- Low-sulfur gasoline (available in the Twin Cities) reduces pollutants by 10-15%
- 85% ethanol fuel (E85) can be used in flexible fuel vehicles.
- Other alternative transportation fuels such as natural gas a bio-diesel are most practical for fleets of vehicles.
For more information about motor vehicle pollution, contact Mark Sulzbach at 651-757-2770.
Related information can be found on the following webpages:
The following fact sheets provide information about motor vehicle pollution and ways to control and reduce this pollution.