About CACT
History
The Clean Air Community Trust was formed in 2002 jointly by the Buncombe County Commissioners and the Asheville City Council. We were formed to be the non-regulatory companion organization to the Western North Carolina Air Quality Control Agency. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Buncombe County Medical Society for providing the initial seed funding of $5000 to establish CACT. In the spring of 2003, start-up funding was provided by the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Control Agency. A self-perpetuating board of directors representing the medical, commercial, educational, and governmental sectors of our community governs the CACT.
Air Quality in WNC
Air quality is a critical regional problem. A recent Chamber of Commerce survey ranked it as the second most important problem facing WNC. We recognize that pollution-related lung diseases are taking their toll on our population. Ironically, people used to come to this area for the pristine air – not anymore. Western North Carolina has higher rates of asthma and higher mortality from respiratory diseases than other parts of North Carolina. This area has teetered for years on the edge of compliance with federal standards. Because we just barely comply, there is no government mandate or funding to correct the problems.
That is why we must commit ourselves to the solution. The standards are not strict enough to guarantee we are breathing healthy air. In fact, we know we are not. Research shows that particulate matter in the air at levels experienced in Asheville presents the same risks as living with a cigarette smoker. Visibility is another indication of how polluted our air is. EPA calculates that on average, visibility without human made pollution in this area would be 93 miles. Instead, the annual average visibility is 27 miles. Air pollution is devastating to the health and economic future of this community and we intend to restore it to its former glory.
Goal/Vision
The mission of the Clean Air Community Trust is to improve air quality through innovative programs that educate, energize, and empower the communities of western North Carolina. We are committed to the following goals:
Who We Are
Our office is located on Page Avenue in downtown Asheville across from the Grove Arcade, between Captain's Bookshelf and Quality Forward. We currently have a staff of 2 with occasional interns from local universities. Visit our Board of Trustees and Advisory Board members HERE.
We work in cooperation with many other community organizations. We are members of the Clean Air Campaign - a consortium of organizations promoting air quality awareness. We work closely with local environmental organizations in western North Carolina to create successful campaigns and events that educate and raise public awareness about air quality issues and what we can do to solve them.
The Clean Air Community Trust was formed in 2002 jointly by the Buncombe County Commissioners and the Asheville City Council. We were formed to be the non-regulatory companion organization to the Western North Carolina Air Quality Control Agency. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Buncombe County Medical Society for providing the initial seed funding of $5000 to establish CACT. In the spring of 2003, start-up funding was provided by the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Control Agency. A self-perpetuating board of directors representing the medical, commercial, educational, and governmental sectors of our community governs the CACT.
Air Quality in WNC
Air quality is a critical regional problem. A recent Chamber of Commerce survey ranked it as the second most important problem facing WNC. We recognize that pollution-related lung diseases are taking their toll on our population. Ironically, people used to come to this area for the pristine air – not anymore. Western North Carolina has higher rates of asthma and higher mortality from respiratory diseases than other parts of North Carolina. This area has teetered for years on the edge of compliance with federal standards. Because we just barely comply, there is no government mandate or funding to correct the problems.
That is why we must commit ourselves to the solution. The standards are not strict enough to guarantee we are breathing healthy air. In fact, we know we are not. Research shows that particulate matter in the air at levels experienced in Asheville presents the same risks as living with a cigarette smoker. Visibility is another indication of how polluted our air is. EPA calculates that on average, visibility without human made pollution in this area would be 93 miles. Instead, the annual average visibility is 27 miles. Air pollution is devastating to the health and economic future of this community and we intend to restore it to its former glory.
Goal/Vision
The mission of the Clean Air Community Trust is to improve air quality through innovative programs that educate, energize, and empower the communities of western North Carolina. We are committed to the following goals:
- To return visibility to natural conditions thus creating a community with healthy air.
- To initiate everyday activities and events that reduce global warming and air pollution.
- To serve as a public resource for air quality information and education.
- To partner with businesses, industry, local government, schools, and other institutions to create innovative models to achieve clean air.
Who We Are
Our office is located on Page Avenue in downtown Asheville across from the Grove Arcade, between Captain's Bookshelf and Quality Forward. We currently have a staff of 2 with occasional interns from local universities. Visit our Board of Trustees and Advisory Board members HERE.
We work in cooperation with many other community organizations. We are members of the Clean Air Campaign - a consortium of organizations promoting air quality awareness. We work closely with local environmental organizations in western North Carolina to create successful campaigns and events that educate and raise public awareness about air quality issues and what we can do to solve them.
